Featured Apprentice Story

Kaylee, a third-year apprentice at BAE Systems Barrow, anticipates completing her apprenticeship in March 2024. In her role as an electrician, she plays a crucial part in the construction of submarines, working extensively on various machinery integral to the submarine building process. Her responsibilities encompass performing system isolations, maintaining airfield lighting for runways, servicing machinery involved in submarine construction, overseeing waste disposal in onsite pools and improving safety through lighting maintenance in various areas of the facility. Additionally, Kaylee’s duties extend to maintenance work on cranes, lighting systems, power outlets and cable installations.

Kaylee's journey within plant maintenance has been a diverse one. She began by working on welding equipment, before transitioning to the high voltage department, where she faced the challenge of making quick, precise decisions and ensuring efficient power distribution, critical to the final stages of submarine production. She has also worked in collaboration with Electricity Northwest, to conduct high-voltage maintenance operations whilst minimising downtime and upholding production schedules. In her current role and alongside fellow electricians, Kaylee adheres to planned maintenance schedules diligently, striving to complete tasks swiftly and effectively to prevent machinery damage. Regardless of the complexity of the job, she consistently adheres to company procedures, rules and regulations.

As Kaylee approaches the conclusion of her apprenticeship, she continues to work closely with colleagues, tackling a wide array of tasks, each specified on her job card. These tasks can range from lower priority jobs to critical tasks requiring immediate attention.

Beyond her primary responsibilities, Kaylee actively participates in various extracurricular activities. She holds the position of Vice Chair on the local Apprentice Council, serves as a STEM ambassador, represents the Plant Maintenance department and acts as an Ethics Officer. Recently, she contributed to the planning and design of the new Portland Walk campus, aimed at increasing apprenticeship capacity and played a role in the development of the University of Cumbria and the Submarines Academy, furthering knowledge and skills in her field.

Kaylee also participates in charity committee activities, supports local charity fundraising efforts, engages in career fairs, advocates for diversity and inclusion, and collaborates with safety teams to enhance health and safety practices. In addition to demonstrating a commitment to her role and the Company, Kaylee is dedicated to her educational and professional development within the field of engineering. Her accomplishments include the successful completion of a Level 1 NVQ diploma in engineering and a subsequent Level 2 NVQ diploma, both of which were achieved at Furness College.

She has pursued an extensive apprenticeship program in electrical engineering maritime defence, with a notable achievement of securing Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 apprenticeships. Her dedication to her career is further evident in her ongoing Level 3 apprenticeship in electrical engineering maritime defence, also with Furness College and BAE Systems.

Kaylee’s qualifications and on-going commitments to her role, the Company and wider community have been recognised with not one but two external awards during her time at BAE Systems. In 2022 she won the MAKE UK Endeavour Award and in 2023 the Enginuity Apprentice of the Year Award, - testament to her hard work and dedication.