BU student Elliott Smith is celebrating after winning the prestigious Dorset Apprenticeship Award for 2024.
Elliot is a degree apprentice student at BU, studying the final year of his Bournemouth and Poole College engineering apprenticeship at the university while continuing his employment at Draken. The award highlights the exceptional commitment, hard work, and the significant contributions made by a student through their apprenticeship.
Elliott’s journey began with a Level 3 engineering qualification at Brockenhurst College, which paved the way for his unique pathway at Draken, a specialist aviation business that provides highly advanced defence training to members of the NATO alliance.
Initially joining as an aircraft apprentice, Elliott saw an opportunity to specialise in electronic warfare and mission systems. With the support of Bournemouth and Poole College, Bournemouth University and Draken, a bespoke pathway was created, allowing Elliott to pursue his passion and excel in his field.
Reflecting on his decision to pursue an apprenticeship, Elliott said, “The degree apprenticeship was a natural route for me because it provided the perfect balance of earning while learning. It’s a challenging journey, as most of the work is self-driven, but the rewards are immense. Not only do you gain practical experience, but you also build valuable relationships and networks within the industry.”
Elliott emphasises the importance of apprenticeships, noting their role in providing hands-on experience. He said, “One of the greatest benefits of an apprenticeship is the mentorship and support from experienced professionals in the field. This relationship has been crucial for my development, allowing me to transition from a traditional apprenticeship to a degree pathway.”
Having worked at Draken for over four years, Elliott has progressed from a degree apprentice to an Electronic Warfare Specialist within the Mission Systems Maintenance Department, operating out of Bournemouth Airport. Draken provides advanced combat readiness training for many international customers, and Elliott is currently responsible for maintaining a range of underwing stores and pods that perform various Electronic Warfare (EW) functions.
Elliott continued, “At the end of 2022, I was tasked with building and manufacturing a new style of electronic warfare pod to enhance our threat simulation and training capabilities. This project recently concluded with the introduction of six new airborne electronic warfare systems. I was responsible for the electrical wiring, software integration, manufacture, mechanical assembly, and testing of this new capability. I was praised for my focus and technical ability, which was a driving force behind the project's successful completion.
“After four years of part-time study at Bournemouth and Poole College and Bournemouth University and with the support of my colleagues, I am now a qualified Mission Systems Maintenance Engineer, specialising in Electronic Warfare. My studies at university are ongoing, but the skills I have developed at work cannot be understated. This apprenticeship has been instrumental in my development as both an engineer and a human being.”
Andy Kempe, Elliott’s line manager at Draken, said: “Elliott is an exceptional individual at Draken, showing dedication and talent throughout his time here. I recommended him for the Apprentice of the Year Award because his journey at Draken has been remarkable, consistently exceeding expectations and demonstrating diligence and excellence. Elliott's early graduation into full-time employment displays his remarkable abilities, determination, and exceptional skills. His passion for electronic warfare and aviation drives him to constantly improve and innovate.”
Professor Philip Sewell, Director of Apprenticeships and Skills at Bournemouth University, said, “Elliott’s achievements serve as a testament to the success of degree apprenticeships and the collaborative efforts between educational institutions and industry partners. As we look forward to celebrating Elliott’s graduation from Bournemouth University next year, I hope his story will inspire future apprentices and highlight the unique benefits of combining academic study with real-world experience.”
For more information about degree apprenticeships at Bournemouth University, visit https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/studying-us/types-study/apprenticeships
