LIFE IS SHIP SHAPE NOW
GLASWEGIAN Hazel McGarth left school with the Scottish A-level equivalent of Maths, English and Business Management. Now, at 19, she’s helping to build Royal Navy warships, something she never imagined she would end up doing.
What’s your job?
I’m now into the second year of my three-year project management apprenticeship at BAE Systems’ Naval Ships company .
I work in project controls – essentially problem solving. I work with a team that ensures that we’re sticking to budgets, dates and milestones. From day one, I was given responsibility and I am so glad I was. It taught me the importance of initiative and putting your hand up when you need help.
My role has developed my confidence no end. Leading in team meetings, building my knowledge to answer questions and find solutions has showed me the work I do makes a difference.
What do you love about it?
Standing proudly on the yard as the Royal Navy’s first Type 26 frigate set sail from Govan was a massive highlight for me.
It’s a real milestone in the industry. I felt privileged to witness that so early on in my career.
It was something I would never imagine I would experience, and it really highlighted how thrilling my job can be. As for the day-to-day job, I love the amount of hands-on experience I’m getting.
People here look at apprentices as the future and value their fresh ideas and new perspectives.
My job doesn’t just consist of sitting at desk. I can walk around naval ships, explore the world of digital shipbuilding, watch history take place and meet new people every day.
No two days are the same here and I love being a part of a company contributing to the UK’s defence structure.
What are the challenges?
It’s very hands-on. They don’t throw you in the deep end, but you’re definitely challenged. I shadow managers, controllers and other senior people in the business which can feel daunting – but you learn a lot. Shipbuilding is something you can’t learn in a day and I know even after I qualify I will still be learning.
Why not go to uni?
I’ve always been more of an on-the-job learner and I didn’t think pure classroom-based learning was for me.
Then there’s the uncertainty surrounding employment once you graduate.
There seems to be a lot more purpose to what I’m doing right now. A lot of my friends who went to college now wish they had taken on an apprenticeship instead.
Was it hard to get the apprenticeship?
No. The stages of an interview process with numeracy and literature tests can be daunting though. The company want someone enthusiastic and determined, and they understand you may have no prior knowledge, but if you show you are eager to learn, that’s what matters.
What were your career ambitions at school?
I was always looking at different careers, as I knew I wanted to do something different and not just a regular office job.
There is so much pressure to go straight to university or college rather than explore your options.
When I applied for university I wasn’t even sure it was what I wanted to do, but I felt like it was the only route I was given. But I heard about the opportunity to learn and earn, so it seemed a no-brainer. I’ve never looked back.
Why go for project management?
I was interested in quantity surveying and construction management, so I wanted to find something in that field and project management seemed like a good place to start.
When I started my role I didn’t realise there were so many paths you can take in project management. It can open a lot of doors that you perhaps wouldn’t even know existed.
What are your career ambitions now?
My immediate ambitions, after completing my apprenticeship, are to eventually progress to become a project manager.
I’d love to continue working at Naval Ships, the industry is one I want to stay in. I would love to continue to voice my opinion too around females in the shipyard.
Historically shipbuilding has been seen as a typically male dominated industry. It’s not what it used to be and is developing into a place of diversity and culture. BAE Systems has taken a lead in making this happen.
■ BAE Systems is taking on almost 2,700 apprentices and graduates in the coming year. Applications for the 1,400 apprenticeships on offer are open now until the end of February (they advise early application).
Find out more at baesystems. com/en/careers/careers-inthe-uk/early-careers.
‘‘ I love being part of a company that contributes to UK’s defence structure