Why did you choose an apprenticeship rather than a full-time education route?
Like most 16 yrs old boys, I didn’t really have a career path at that stage of my life. I knew I wanted to do something practical when I left school, as well as continue my education; and an apprenticeship seemed like the ideal fit as it offered both!
How do you think apprenticeships can bridge the gap between education and practical work experience?
When I left school, I was more practically inclined, but I understood that undertaking an apprenticeship would also require me to achieve the necessary academic results to complete it. This became a strong personal motivator, as I had always struggled to connect excelling in exams with pursuing a specific career path…as I didn’t have one at the time!
What opportunities has joining Portsmouth Naval Base as an apprentice given you?
Throughout my apprenticeship, I gained experience working in a variety of areas—ships, submarines, fabrication workshops, HMS Victory, and the drawing office. This diverse exposure allowed me to explore different paths and ultimately decide the direction I wanted to take in my (then unknown) career. Upon completing my apprenticeship, I chose to work on HMS Victory as a Masthead Man, a role I held for five years. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this position also paved the way for my first management role
Can you share a specific project or task during your apprenticeship that significantly contributed to your professional growth?
As part of my apprenticeship, we were required to complete an Outward-Bound course in Aberdovey, Wales. One of the tasks involved scaling and then rappelling down part of the Cadair Idris mountain range. I don’t mind admitting that I was terrified due to my fear of heights, but with the support of both the Outward-Bound team and my fellow apprentices, I overcame this fear and completed the task. Even today, I often reflect on this experience and use it as a source of motivation when faced with new challenges or roles. Overcoming my fear of heights also indirectly contributed to my first official job role after completing my apprenticeship
How did mentorship and support during your apprenticeship influence your career path?
I received outstanding support and mentorship throughout my apprenticeship, working across the various areas of the Naval Base mentioned earlier. This gave me the opportunity to experience a wide range of perspectives from my mentors—some good, some bad, and some indifferent. Looking back now, I realize how much those diverse viewpoints helped shape my career path
Under the NAW theme of skills for life, what skills do you think you have developed by starting your career as an apprentice?
There are countless skills I’ve developed, but if I had to highlight the most important, I’d say decision-making, problem-solving, and creative thinking are at the forefront. These skills have been essential in navigating challenges, finding innovative solutions, and making effective choices in both my professional and personal life
How have you continued learning during your career?
I never stop learning—a cliché, I know—but every day truly offers a new opportunity to grow. With that mindset, I constantly strive to push myself and encourage those around me to pursue and achieve their goals. If someone had told my 16-year-old self that, 35 years later, I would be a senior manager at Portsmouth Naval Base, I wouldn’t have believed it. This journey, however, would not have been possible without undertaking my apprenticeship. It laid the foundation not only for my career but also for the resilience, skills, and mindset that have helped me navigate challenges and seize opportunities along the way. My apprenticeship was more than just a starting point—it was the launchpad for everything that followed
What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship scheme?
Do it now—you won’t regret it!
