During her A Levels, Evie changed her mind about going to university. Work experience at an engineering lab helped her decide that an apprenticeship felt like a better option.

Read how Evie went on to complete an apprenticeship in Engineering and now helps others start engineering careers in her job as Early Careers Coordinator at Niftylift.

Evie’s Story 

“I was always set on going to university during school, then I got into sixth form and just decided it wasn’t for me. I was doing two Science A Levels at the time, and my careers advisor sent me through some lab-based work experience opportunities.

I ended up spending my sixth form work experience with BSI and loved it. I found out they had an apprenticeship scheme, decided to apply and got through. At first, I wanted to drop out of A Levels and do my apprenticeship straight away, but they kept the job open for me, so I completed my A Levels first.

As an Apprentice Test Engineer at BSI, I tested products to quality standards to check they were safe. I spent 6-9 months in each lab, learning on the job.

When I was at school, I never thought I was that great at Maths and an Engineering apprenticeship involves a lot of Maths. Some of the apprenticeship modules were quite challenging, but there was always a fair bit of support from tutors to help with this. I was quite proactive and never afraid to ask questions. I achieved Distinction in my apprenticeship and was really happy with that.

I realised I didn’t want to be a test engineer for the rest of my life. But at BSI, I enjoyed helping all the work-experience students who came to the site. When the Niftylift job came up, I just applied and went through the interview process like everyone else.

I started working as Early Careers Coordinator at NiftyLift in September 2023. Part of my current job role is running an apprenticeship scheme for engineers.

Doing my apprenticeship gave me real experience in a work environment, all before lots of my friends who went to university. I 100% believe I wouldn’t be in the role I’m in now without doing an apprenticeship.

My plan is to progress down the Learning & Development career route. I really like helping people, and this job means I can help people in an actionable way – whether that’s giving them an apprenticeship job or work experience.

Evie’s advice to anyone considering apprenticeships:

“My honest advice is just do it if it’s in an area you’re interested in. It’s added a lot more to my arsenal of skills, just being in the working environment helps with that.”