How to access STEM apprenticeships

We're celebrating National Careers week by teaming up with Rolls-Royce. 

More than 100 Guides, Rangers and volunteers joined our webinar with Rolls-Royce in November to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) careers. As girls across the UK pick their subjects for GCSE and A Level, we're sharing expert advice on how to access funded degree apprenticeships.

We spoke with Girlguiding volunteers, Neha, an engineer, and Eleanor, an engineer degree apprentice, both at Rolls-Royce. They shared their advice on what girls should think about when planning their future careers and how being part of Girlguiding has helped them.

Different types of apprenticeships

There are lots of ways girls can enter work through a funded apprenticeship: 

• Under 18 apprenticeships (after GCSEs). 
• Degree apprenticeships (after A Levels).
• Returning interns. 

How to get started

Neha: 'Tailor your application to the company. You don't need to know everything about them, but having some idea of projects they're currently working on along with some of their history helps you stand out.'

'Be honest about what you don't know. Interviewers don't expect industry experience. Stay engaged, ask questions and focus on what you've achieved through coursework, projects or extra-curricular activities.' 

Girlguiding helped me gain confidence when giving presentations.' - Neha, Girlguiding volunteer and engineer at Rolls-Royce.

Eleanor: 'Research the company and field to show genuine interest. Look for online courses, books or resources that relate to the role. Apprenticeships are competitive, so resilience is key - keep going, even if you don't succeed the first time.' 

To get started, check out Discover on Demand, a virtual work experience and employability skills platform for 14-18-year-olds to explore real jobs in engineering and business at Rolls-Royce. 

Neha's top tip:

Being willing to move or relocate can also help your search.'

Top tips for interviewing

Eleanor: 'Interviews are a two-way conversation. Be yourself - interviewers want to understand who you are and why you want the role. 

Talk about extra-curricular activities like Girlguiding and how they've shaped your skills. Try to enjoy the experience; interviewers want you to succeed.' 

Eleanor's top tip:

Being part of Girlguiding helped me develop confidence, leadership and social skills. This has been important for my career and helps me connect with people throughout the business.

Girlguiding STEM events helped me understand more about what it's like to work in the engineering sector. '

Neha's interview advice is to:

1. Imagine what the interviewer might ask and practise your answers. 
2. Know your application well and have examples ready. The STAR technique can help structure your responses. 
3. Show interest in the company, its culture and your interviewer's experiences in their role. 

The benefits of an apprenticeship

Neha: 'Your tuition costs are covered by your employer, plus you earn a salary from day one on the job, which can cover living costs such as accommodation. 

You gain 3-5 years work experience through a degree apprenticeship before moving into your first, full time role. This allows you to do what you're interested in and grow in your field earlier.'

Plus, through a degree apprenticeship you can:

1. Gain a variety of experiences. 
2. Deliver projects.
3. Build a supportive network.

Socially, I can access workplace and university societies and connect with fellow apprentices, it's the best of both worlds.' 

Networks are available to support you, and people are supportive, creating a safe atmosphere for you to do your best and continue to grow.' - Neha, Girlguiding volunteer and engineer at Rolls-Royce.

Eleanor: 'Extra training is paid for, and you get student discounts plus employee benefits like gym access and cycle-to-work schemes. You can start paying into a pension early. 

There are opportunities to meet MPs and go on site visits. My work has real world impact, so it's incredibly rewarding to know that I'm making a difference.' 

I wish I'd known about the support that's available.' - Eleanor, Girlguiding volunteer and engineer degree apprentice at Rolls-Royce.

'When I started, I was worried about how I would manage the workload of my placement and university work. There are many support channels available, such as the Employee Assistance programme, Mental Health Champions and Apprentice development leads.' 

Connecting with other women

Neha: 'Every woman is in a similar position to you in the workplace and can help by listening or sharing experiences. Remind yourself that you belong in your role, even on tougher days. 

If you face injustice, speak out. You have power in your role, use it to make positive change and support those who come after you.'