A-Level results day: navigating pathways for the next generation of STEM leaders
For many young adults, today represents a door opening - whether that be heading for their first professional job, or progressing to higher education.
Whilst a degree in a STEM subject was traditionally seen as the one and only route to a successful tech career, for today's A-Level students successfully making your mark in the industry is not defined by a singular, standardised route.
STEM industries are defined by innovation and disruption and these require diverse talent. There are many pathways for that diverse talent into a fulfilling career in these industries. The days of university acting as the sole gateway are long gone.
This A Level Results Day, we ask individuals working in tech roles to reflect on their experiences and offer some advice for this year's school leavers.
Everything happens for a reason - your backup choice may be your best choice
Amy Croasdale is an Engineering Degree Apprentice at BAE Systems, and, like many, didn't get the results she was expecting on A Level Results Day. She took the set back as an opportunity to reconsider her options ultimately finding her way onto one of BAE System's apprenticeship schemes, and hasn't looked back since.
"I originally applied to go to university and when I didn't get into my top choices, I actually took a gap year after college. That's when I applied for the apprenticeship at BAE Systems.
"So many of my friends that went to uni really struggled to get a job afterwards - and had loads of debt, too. I actually got to study for a degree alongside my apprenticeship, all while getting five years of paid, hands-on work experience. I'm also essentially guaranteed a full-time role after I complete my apprenticeship, which is reassuring. It made so much more sense to me than university ever did - I felt like I got a jump-start on my career.
"There's also been benefits I didn't anticipate. I've picked up plenty of life skills that prepare you for the real world. My interpersonal and communications skills have really benefited from working with colleagues from different ages, backgrounds, countries, and departments in a professional setting.
"On a day-to-day basis, I develop designs for aircrafts through computer software - basically creating drawings and designs digitally, to eventually be manufactured into physical parts. These include drawings of entire aircrafts, as well as individual pieces like the wings, fins, sensors and engines - everything you can imagine that goes into a fighter jet!
"I've worked across many different departments which have given me a flavour of the industry on a range of fighter jets, including Tornado, Typhoon and F-35. For each aircraft I was focussing on different elements of engineering and honing my skills along the way. I'm now in my dream department, working on the design of the UK's next generation combat air fighter jet, where I want to develop my career for the foreseeable."
A-Level results day: navigating pathways for the next generation of STEM leaders
There's no ‘one-size-fits-all' - there are plenty routes to consider
Dafydd Morris is a Third Year Cyber Security Apprentice at Thales who always knew an apprenticeship was the route for him.
"I come from a long line of engineers. Both my Dad and Grandad went down the apprenticeship route to start their careers back in the day, so I've always been aware of the benefits of going down this route.
"I initially started out studying for a degree at a local college, but I was set on doing an apprenticeship, so was still looking for other opportunities. From there I managed to get an offer from Thales to do a degree apprenticeship in Cybersecurity Engineering. It was the best of both worlds as I could get a degree, and also get hands-on work experience in a future-proof industry. It was a no brainer for me to pursue this opportunity.
"A lot of colleges don't promote apprenticeship options as much as they should. With apprenticeships there are countless benefits: you have access to experts in the industry, benefit from a huge support system, have job security, can learn as you earn, and have plenty of opportunities to develop and build confidence across rotating placements. And best of all you have no student debt at the end of it!
"It's a great way to get a head start in an industry. Cybersecurity, for example, is a huge growth market and a fast-developing industry, so I knew it was a career for the long-term with exciting potential for me. My apprenticeship means that I can build up my portfolio, network, and experience straight out of school. Unlike some of my friends who went to university and then did a graduate scheme, I feel like I am a few years ahead in terms of work experience and specialising in my career.
"Like many, I had assumed that apprenticeships are just for trade professions, but you'd be surprised by how many apprenticeship programmes there are out there, and in so many different fields. I would definitely recommend people consider apprenticeships this results day - not only as a back-up choice, but as their first choice."
A-Level results day: navigating pathways for the next generation of STEM leaders
It's OK to change your mind - follow your gut
Last summer Hazel McGarth was an A-Level student planning for a degree in Psychology. However, realising she preferred a more hands-on approach; she instead applied to be a Project Management Apprentice at BAE Systems Naval Ships. It is a decision she has not regretted.
"I really never thought I'd be doing this, it's built my confidence so much. I've been shadowing managers and controllers who are organising scheduling. They don't throw you in the deep end, but they do challenge you."
Working in Project Controls - essentially problem solving as the Company works to maintain budgets, dates and milestones - Hazel has already seen the proud moment of the first Type 26, HMS Glasgow, being floated off at Govan.
While many of her school friends have been beginning courses and sitting in classrooms, Hazel is engaged in helping deliver crucial defence assets to the UK Royal Navy.
"I just realised university was not for me. There seems to be a lot more purpose to what I'm doing. I know a lot of my friends who went to college are now wishing they had taken on an apprenticeship instead. For me it's a good mixture of being hands-on as well as studying for my diploma. I'm so glad I made this decision."
The final word
This A Level Results Day today, many school leavers will find themselves at a crossroads, with more pathways than ever to a STEM career. Each pathway presents unique advantages which offers a breadth of choice and opportunities for school leavers.
These diverse pathways will equip STEM employers with a workforce with enhanced adaptability, better problem-solving ability, and greater creativity - exactly what the sector continually tells us it needs.