Lucas – who also won the BAE Systems Craft Mechanical award – impressed the judges with his academic achievements; his commitment to achieving success and his engineering ability. A former HGV Mechanic, he has now completed his Advanced Manufacturing apprenticeship and, while he has dyslexia, achieved Distinctions in every area of study including an HNC in Aeronautical Engineering. Lucas has already demonstrated strong creative and innovation skills, with tools that he has designed and produced already being used in manufacturing; improving process and creating efficiency savings.
Lucas said: “During my time as a BAE Systems Apprentice, I’ve achieved personal and professional growth beyond my expectations. This included organising a charity event to pull a Typhoon down the runway. It took three months of hard work, dedication and desire to deliver a show-stopping charity event which raised over four thousand pounds for our Innovation Challenge charity – Fisher House. Being trusted by the customer to pull an £80m aircraft, organising the event, liaising with stakeholders and networking has greatly improved my confidence and ability to work across functions. I’m honoured to be working with the most cutting-edge aircraft alongside the best engineers in their field.”
The annual UK Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the outstanding talent and potential of BAE Systems’ apprentices. This year’s awards were presented at a ceremony in Leeds hosted by Steve Fogg, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Shared Services business.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Steve said: “We are fortunate to employ some of the best talent in the industry, and our business is no doubt enriched by their continuing hard work and enthusiasm. The BAE Systems Apprentice Awards lets us celebrate the great work and endless curiosity provided by so many outstanding employees. This year, I am so proud to have extended our celebration to include a new Excellence in Trade Award. This has recognised three employees who started their working life as apprentices and who have delivered a consistently high level of professionalism in their chosen trade, throughout a long career with us. Huge congratulations to all of the winners, as well as those shortlisted.”