We’ve been following Hannah’s journey as an apprentice since she joined Morson Projects in 2022.

Since starting her career journey, Hannah has worked on a broad range of Aerospace projects, been nominated as ‘Apprentice of the Year’ through Hull College, and started to step outside her comfort zone as a STEM Ambassador, visiting local schools and colleges to encourage more students to pursue a career in engineering.

Hi Hannah! Can you tell us a little bit about your education journey so far?

At school I studied in A-Level Maths, Chemistry and 3D Design. And at GCSE, the core subjects plus Design & Technology, Art, Latin and Geography.

On from A-Levels, I chose to do a Law Degree and this wasn’t my first choice. I’d applied for various other universities for design subjects and Product Design and Civil Engineering. I had an unconditional offer, but my maths result wasn’t quite what I expected. So, I went through clearing to do Law as a back-up option.

Despite making this decision, Hannah very quickly realised that this wasn’t what was meant for her and soon decided to make a big career change…

​When I told everyone I was doing Law they were a bit like, are you joking me, that’s not what you’re interested in. It’s not what you’re good at. We know what we always thought you’d go towards and that is something in engineering, specifically aerospace.

I did a year of that and it wasn’t really my cup of tea. Through school design technology was my strongest subject by far. I got a nine at GCSE and 3D Design I got an A* at A-Level, so it’s definitely one of my strongest subjects. And one that I enjoy the most. However, my physics at GCSE, again I just very much base it off my grades, but it was a bit of a confidence knock, which is why I didn’t go for the aerospace and I went more towards civil and structural.

I was looking for another job or another course to do, and I found this job at Morson Projects where I’ve landed on my feet, really. I’ve always been interested in engineering and how things work.

Fast-forward two years, and I am now currently studying for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in General Engineering, with the aim of progressing onto a Higher National Diploma (HND) and ultimately achieving a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). My studies are structured around a part-time schedule, attending college one day a week,  balancing this with my technical engineering role as an Apprentice Design Engineer. This pathway allows me to gain valuable hands-on experience in the industry while developing a strong academic foundation in engineering principles. My goal is to build a successful career in engineering, continuously expanding my knowledge and skill set to contribute effectively to the field.

Why did you choose an Apprenticeship to further your education?

I chose an apprenticeship with Morson Projects over a full-time university course because it allows me to gain on the job experience while earning a qualification. This approach provides me with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Working within the industry enables me to develop professional connections through networking opportunities such as the annual summer conference and ECDP day.

I went on the Early Careers Development Programme Day very early on into my career at Morson Projects. I’d only been here a month before I attended the ECDP Day, this was a great opportunity because it enabled me to meet other new starters, graduates and mentors. The content of the ECDP day really opened up the whole business and highlighted the career path I am stating on.

My goal is to build a successful career in engineering, continuously expanding my knowledge and skill set to contribute effectively to the field, something that, with the support from Morson Projects and the ECDP, will be more than achievable.

What have you enjoyed most so far?

So far on my journey with Morson Projects, I have had so many opportunities. I have attended training and have become a STEM ambassador, leading me to run STEM workshops and attend careers fairs on behalf of Morson Projects.

The networking opportunities, as previously mentioned, such as the annual summer conference and ECDP day, along with visits to other satellite and customer offices, have been great to connect with colleagues and clients. I have really enjoyed the visits to customer sites, enabling me to see the results of my work, to appreciate the scale of the jobs we are working on.

What motivates you in your work?

I find the diversity in work really motivating. I have been with Morson Projects for 2 and a half years now, and have already had a variety of tasks for a variety of programs; Leonardo AW189, AW101, Adient, Marshall and Draken.

What advice would you give someone looking to start an apprenticeship?

You’ve got to go with your interests. If you’re not interested, I don’t think it’s for you. And if you are interested and you’re not confident that you can do it, I’d still go for it. For me, it was very much my confidence.

I didn’t think I’d be capable of it, but if you enjoy it, I think you can do anything as long as you enjoy it and you can put your mind to it. I think if it’s something you are really interested in and you’re excited about it and you can see yourself doing it every day, then just go for it. Don’t go for something that you would not want to sit and do it for hours. It’s not worth it!

What are your career aspirations for the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years I hope to have completed my degree and have progressed out of the ECDP. Over the next 5 years there will be numerous opportunities to develop over a variety of projects, enabling me to add to my competencies.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I love spending time with my friends and family. I really enjoy going to the gym after work and I love trying new restaurants, going to new countries and doing a bit of shopping!

Hannah demonstrates that even if you initially go down a different route with your education, it’s still possible to get to where you want to be thanks to the ability to ‘earn while you learn’ through an apprenticeship.

Find out more about the Morson Projects Early Careers Development Programme >