Odcinki

  • WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 4: Reaching for the Stars with Airbus Apprentice Owen Price

    WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 4: Reaching for the Stars with Airbus Apprentice Owen Price
    Oct 21 2026
    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click hereCould an apprenticeship really lead to a career working in the space industry?In Episode 4 of Season 2 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, we're heading into the world of aerospace engineering as student interviewer Darcy talks to Owen Price, a Degree Apprentice with Airbus Defence and Space.Owen is currently in the second year of his apprenticeship, combining university studies with practical experience at one of the world's major aerospace companies.It's a fascinating example of how apprenticeships can open doors to careers that young people might never have considered, including opportunities in science, technology and space exploration.Combining university with real-world experienceFor many young people, deciding between university and an apprenticeship can feel like choosing between two very different paths.But Owen's experience demonstrates that it doesn't necessarily have to be one or the other.As part of his apprenticeship with Airbus Defence and Space, Owen is studying towards a degree in Space Systems Engineering at the University of Portsmouth.He attends university every Monday and one Tuesday each month, spending the rest of his working time developing his skills and gaining experience within Airbus.This approach allows him to combine academic learning with practical workplace experience, applying knowledge from his degree to the engineering environment.It's one of the biggest advantages of a degree apprenticeship: the opportunity to work towards a university qualification while building experience in the industry you're hoping to develop a career in.What does a Manufacturing and Process Engineer actually do?Owen's main role at Airbus is as a Manufacturing and Process Engineer, a position that involves understanding how engineering processes work and how products are manufactured.But his apprenticeship isn't limited to one department or set of responsibilities.Owen has also had the opportunity to complete placements across different parts of the business, including spending around ten months working as an operator.These experiences give him the chance to see how different teams work together and develop a wider understanding of the manufacturing process.For someone starting out in engineering, experiencing different roles can be incredibly valuable, helping them discover their strengths, develop new skills and understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture.A career that's looking towards the futureAway from his apprenticeship, Owen has a keen interest in space, technology and the big questions surrounding the future.He enjoys exploring subjects where the answers aren't always clear, from how technology might develop over the coming decades to what we might discover about the universe.It's an interest that fits naturally with a career in an industry where innovation and technological development are constantly creating new possibilities.For young people interested in science, engineering or technology, Owen's journey highlights the variety of opportunities available through apprenticeships.You don't necessarily have to follow a traditional university route to begin working towards a career in a highly technical industry.Learning beyond the classroomOne of the recurring themes throughout WorkWise has been the value of gaining experience by actually doing the job.Owen's degree apprenticeship provides an interesting perspective on that idea.He's not simply studying engineering at university and waiting until graduation to enter the workplace. He's already gaining experience within the industry, learning from colleagues and seeing how the knowledge he's developing is applied in practice.And through placements in different areas of Airbus, he's also discovering how the different parts of a large engineering organisation work together.It's a combination of education, training and experience that can help build a strong foundation for a future career.The students are back for Season 2The first three episodes of Season 2 featured conversations with Mountjoy managers, exploring what employers look for when recruiting apprentices and how they support young people as they develop their careers.Now, we're handing the microphones back to our student interviewers.Over the coming episodes, they'll be meeting nine new apprentices from Airbus, Comserv and Portsmouth City Council, discovering how they found their opportunities, what their jobs involve and what advice they'd give to someone considering a similar route.And we're starting with a career that might seem a world away from a traditional apprenticeship.From studying Space Systems Engineering at the University of Portsmouth to gaining practical experience at Airbus Defence and Space, Owen's journey demonstrates just how varied modern apprenticeships can be.An apprenticeship doesn't have to mean choosing between university and the workplace. Sometimes, you can experience both....
    Rozwiń Zwiń
    11 min
  • WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 3: From Electrician to Electrical Manager with Paul Whitter

    WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 3: From Electrician to Electrical Manager with Paul Whitter
    Oct 14 2026
    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click hereWhere could an apprenticeship take you? For someone starting out in a trade, the opportunities might go much further than they first imagine.In Episode 3 of Season 2 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Jacob talks to Paul Whitter, Electrical Manager at Mountjoy, about his 33-year career with the company, the responsibilities that come with managing an electrical team and what he looks for when recruiting and developing the next generation of electricians.It's the final episode in our opening series of conversations with Mountjoy managers, exploring what employers expect from apprentices and how young people can give themselves the best possible start in their careers.From electrician to Electrical ManagerPaul joined Mountjoy 33 years ago as an electrician, working his way through the business, gaining experience and additional qualifications before progressing to his current role as Electrical Manager.His career is a great example of how learning a trade can be the beginning of a much longer journey.While becoming a qualified electrician is an achievement in itself, Paul's progression demonstrates the opportunities that can become available through experience, further training and taking on additional responsibilities.Today, his role involves overseeing electrical work across Mountjoy, ensuring projects are completed safely, to the required standards, on time and within budget.More than just working with electricsAs Electrical Manager, Paul has a wide range of responsibilities.These include maintaining Mountjoy's NICEIC Approved Contractor accreditation, ensuring electrical work meets the required regulations and safety standards, and overseeing compliance for planned preventative maintenance and the company's door entry team.He is also responsible for ensuring projects are delivered successfully, improvements are introduced and staff receive the training they need to carry out their work safely and effectively.It's a reminder that a career in a trade can develop into much more than the practical work someone initially trains to do.Management, planning, problem-solving, communication and leadership can all become important parts of someone's career as they progress.What does Mountjoy look for in an apprentice electrician?Recruitment and the development of apprentices are important parts of Paul's role.Mountjoy invests in bringing new people into the electrical trade, providing training and support throughout their apprenticeships to help them gain the knowledge, experience and qualifications needed to build successful careers.For anyone considering an electrical apprenticeship, understanding what an employer expects can be incredibly useful.Jacob's conversation with Paul explores the employer's perspective, including the importance of recruiting the right people, developing their skills and ensuring apprentices receive the support they need to progress.An apprentice isn't expected to arrive knowing everything about the job. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to learn, gain practical experience and develop the skills required to become qualified.But being willing to learn, taking training seriously and understanding the importance of working safely are all essential parts of developing a career in the electrical industry.Building a career, not just gaining a qualificationOne of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to combine learning with genuine workplace experience.For aspiring electricians, that means developing technical knowledge while working alongside experienced professionals and seeing how the skills they're learning are used in real situations.And the opportunities don't necessarily end when the apprenticeship finishes.Paul's own career demonstrates how experience and further qualifications can lead to greater responsibility, specialist knowledge and management opportunities.An apprenticeship can be the first step into a trade, but it doesn't have to be the final step in someone's career development.Hearing from both sides of the apprenticeship journeyThroughout the opening three episodes of Season 2, WorkWise has been exploring apprenticeships from an employer's perspective.We began with Mountjoy Director and Owner Dan Carlin, who discussed the importance of attitude, reliability and a willingness to learn.We then heard from Charlotte Seymour, HR Talent Business Partner, about recruiting apprentices, helping them settle into the workplace and providing ongoing support as they develop.Now, Paul Whitter brings that opening series to a close by sharing the perspective of someone who has spent more than three decades developing his own career in the electrical industry and helping others build theirs.And next, it's time to hear from the apprentices themselves.Our student interviewers will return for nine new conversations with apprentices from Comserv, Airbus and Portsmouth City Council, discovering how they ...
    Rozwiń Zwiń
    9 min
  • WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 2: Supporting Apprentices to Succeed with Charlotte Seymour

    WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 2: Supporting Apprentices to Succeed with Charlotte Seymour
    Oct 7 2026
    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click hereGetting an apprenticeship is only the beginning. What happens once you walk through the door?In Episode 2 of Season 2 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Express FM presenter Bradley Barlow talks to Charlotte Seymour, HR Talent Business Partner at Mountjoy, about recruiting apprentices, helping young people make the transition into the workplace and the support they need to build successful careers.It's the second of our opening three conversations looking at apprenticeships from an employer's perspective, before our student interviewers return to meet our next group of apprentices.Finding the right peopleA key part of Charlotte's role at Mountjoy is working closely with managers to recruit, develop and support apprentices across the business.But finding future apprentices doesn't begin with a job interview.Charlotte works in partnership with local colleges and training providers, building relationships that help Mountjoy connect with young people and emerging talent.Those partnerships can help someone understand the opportunities available to them, discover careers they may never previously have considered and prepare for that first step into the workplace.For a young person looking at their options after education, knowing what employers are looking for and having opportunities to engage with them can make that first move feel considerably less daunting.An apprenticeship is about more than learning the jobStarting work for the first time can be a big adjustment.Alongside learning the practical or technical skills required for their role, apprentices are also discovering how a workplace operates, building relationships with colleagues and developing skills they'll carry throughout their careers.Charlotte is committed to making sure apprentices at Mountjoy have the guidance, development and support they need throughout that journey.That includes helping apprentices build confidence and experience alongside the skills required for their chosen career.It's also a reminder that employers aren't necessarily expecting someone at the beginning of an apprenticeship to arrive as the finished article. An apprenticeship is designed to give people the opportunity to learn, develop and grow.Bringing apprentices togetherOne way Mountjoy supports that development is through its quarterly Apprentice & Trainee sessions.The sessions bring together apprentices and trainees from across different parts of the company to focus on topics that support their personal and professional development.They also give apprentices the opportunity to meet other people at a similar stage of their careers, share experiences, build networks and become part of the wider workplace.For somebody entering their first job, that sense of connection can be just as important as the technical training.Building skills and confidence for the futureThroughout WorkWise, we've heard apprentices talk about how much they've learned by actually doing the job.Charlotte's perspective allows us to look behind that experience and explore the work that goes into creating an environment where an apprentice can succeed.From relationships with colleges and training providers before recruitment, through to ongoing development once somebody joins the company, a successful apprenticeship is a partnership between the apprentice, employer and education provider.And while gaining qualifications and technical skills matters, developing confidence, communication, workplace experience and professional relationships can be just as valuable for whatever comes next.What are employers looking for?Season 2 began with Mountjoy Director and Owner Dan Carlin discussing what can make an apprentice stand out, including the importance of attitude, asking questions and showing a willingness to learn.In Episode 2, Bradley's conversation with Charlotte continues that story by looking at how young talent is discovered and, importantly, what happens after an apprentice has been given that opportunity.Next, we'll hear our third and final manager conversation before handing the microphones back to our student interviewers as they meet nine new apprentices and discover what their experiences are really like.🎧 Season 2, Episode 2 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast with Bradley Barlow and Charlotte Seymour is available wherever you get your podcasts.You can also listen to previous episodes and find out more about WorkWise at expressfm.com/workwise. If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.
    Rozwiń Zwiń
    11 min
  • WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 1: What Do Employers Look For in an Apprentice?

    WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Season 2, Episode 1: What Do Employers Look For in an Apprentice?
    Sep 30 2026

    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here

    The WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast is back for Season 2, and this time we're starting on the other side of the interview table.

    Throughout our first season, we heard directly from apprentices about their experiences, the different routes they'd taken, what they'd learned and the opportunities their apprenticeships had opened up.

    Before we meet our next group of apprentices, Season 2 begins by hearing from the people responsible for recruiting, supporting and developing them.

    Across our first three episodes, we'll speak to managers about what they expect from an apprentice, what makes somebody stand out and what young people can do to give themselves the best possible start in the workplace.

    Then we'll hand the microphones back to our student interviewers as they meet nine new apprentices, discovering how they found their apprenticeships, what they're learning on the job, the challenges they've faced and where they hope their careers will take them.

    It's a chance to hear both sides of the apprenticeship journey: what employers are looking for and what it's really like to be an apprentice.

    What does an employer really want from an apprentice?

    To begin Season 2, Express FM presenter Bradley Barlow talks to Dan Carlin, Director and Owner of Mountjoy, about his own career journey, the opportunities apprenticeships can provide and what he and the company look for when recruiting and developing apprentices.

    Dan has been with Mountjoy for 14 years, initially joining the company as Financial Controller.

    He progressed to Finance Director and is now a Director and Owner of Mountjoy alongside Simon and Duncan.

    Today, Dan leads the company's Finance, HR and IT functions, giving him first-hand experience of recruiting, developing and supporting apprentices across a number of very different areas of the business.

    What makes an apprentice stand out?

    Qualifications and technical knowledge are only part of the story when an employer is considering a potential apprentice.

    Bradley talks to Dan about what Mountjoy looks for in an apprentice, the qualities that can help someone make a positive impression and what employers actually expect from a young person taking their first steps into the workplace.

    They also discuss the importance of developing and supporting apprentices once they're through the door, giving them the opportunity to build their skills, confidence and experience.

    For anyone considering an apprenticeship, it's an opportunity to hear directly from someone who has been involved in recruiting apprentices about what can make the difference when you're applying.

    Apprenticeships aren't just about traditional trades

    When you hear the word apprenticeship, your first thought might be construction or one of the traditional trades.

    But Dan's experience demonstrates just how broad the apprenticeship route has become.

    Through his responsibility for Finance, HR and IT, Dan has first-hand experience of apprentices working and developing across areas that young people might not immediately associate with apprenticeships.

    He also spends time visiting schools, colleges and local charities, speaking to young people about the different opportunities available and helping them understand that university isn't the only route into a successful career.

    An apprenticeship can offer the chance to earn while you learn, work towards qualifications and gain genuine workplace experience at the same time.

    And Dan's own journey from Financial Controller to Director and Owner also demonstrates something at the heart of WorkWise: where you start your career doesn't have to be where you finish it.

    The employer view starts here

    Dan's conversation with Bradley is the first of three episodes opening Season 2 from the employer's perspective.

    We'll be finding

    If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.

    Rozwiń Zwiń
    11 min
  • WorkWise Podcast Episode 10: Developing a Trade Career with Cameron Croft

    WorkWise Podcast Episode 10: Developing a Trade Career with Cameron Croft
    Sep 16 2026

    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here

    How do you turn a qualification into a long-term career, and what happens after you complete your training?

    In Episode 10 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Morgan speaks to Cameron Croft about his journey into carpentry, the importance of gaining practical experience, and how a structured training programme is helping him take the next step in his career.

    Cameron joined the business in August 2025 as a Carpenter Improver after successfully completing his NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry. The Improver role provides an important bridge between qualification and becoming a fully established tradesperson, allowing individuals to continue developing their skills while gaining valuable real-world experience on-site.

    As part of a 12-month training programme, Cameron is working alongside experienced tradespeople who are helping him build confidence, refine his techniques and develop the practical knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.

    The programme is designed to gradually increase responsibility as skills and experience grow. Through mentorship, hands-on learning and exposure to a variety of projects, Cameron is developing the expertise needed to work independently and take on more complex tasks.

    Throughout the episode, Cameron discusses his decision to pursue a career in carpentry, what he learned while completing his qualification, and how the transition from training into full-time employment has helped him continue to grow professionally.

    He also shares insights into the importance of learning from experienced colleagues, the value of practical experience, and what a typical day looks like working on the Portsmouth City Council contract.

    Upon successfully completing the programme, Cameron will progress into a full trade role, taking on greater independence and responsibility as he continues to build his career within the construction industry.

    For anyone considering a career in carpentry or wondering what opportunities exist after gaining a qualification, Cameron's story highlights how learning doesn't stop once you achieve a certificate. Continued development, mentorship and on-the-job experience all play an important role in becoming a skilled tradesperson.

    Listen now to hear how Cameron is building on his qualifications, developing his confidence and taking the next steps towards a successful career in carpentry.


    If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.

    Rozwiń Zwiń
    6 min
  • WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Episode 9: Turning Work Experience into a Career with Brian Muzuva

    WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Episode 9: Turning Work Experience into a Career with Brian Muzuva
    Sep 9 2026

    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here


    Sometimes the career you end up loving isn't the one you originally planned.

    In Episode 9 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Angel talks to Brian Muzuva, a Trainee Quantity Surveyor with Mountjoy, about how a T-Level industry placement helped him discover a career in construction and ultimately led to a permanent role.

    Brian's interest in construction actually stretches back to his time at school in Zimbabwe, where he studied the basics of building and construction. After moving to the UK, however, he initially planned to study A-Levels and pursue a career in computers and technology.

    That changed when a lecturer suggested he consider a T-Level in Design, Planning and Surveying for Construction.

    As part of the course, Brian needed to complete an industry placement. Like many young people taking their first steps into the workplace, not every application was successful. But Mountjoy gave Brian the opportunity to gain experience with its Building Projects team.

    It proved to be a turning point.

    During his placement, Brian developed an interest in estimating and quantity surveying, learning more about how construction projects are planned, costed and delivered. After completing further work experience, he secured a permanent position and is now developing his career as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor.

    Learning in the real world

    Brian tells Angel that one of the biggest benefits of his role has been how much he's been able to learn in a relatively short space of time.

    Working alongside experienced colleagues has allowed him to ask questions, tackle challenges and build his confidence. He also explains some of the skills young people need if they're considering a similar career, including attention to detail, communication, organisation and problem solving.

    Quantity surveying can involve handling drawings, quotations, subcontractor orders and changing information across a project. And because every construction project is different, Brian explains why being able to think on your feet and solve problems is such an important part of the job.

    Opening doors for the future

    Brian's advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: go for it.

    For him, one of the biggest advantages is being able to combine study with genuine workplace experience. Instead of only learning something in a classroom, you're able to apply that knowledge to real projects while developing practical skills employers value.

    Brian's journey is also a reminder that you don't necessarily need your entire career mapped out when you leave school or college. A lecturer's suggestion, a T-Level and an industry placement introduced him to a career he hadn't originally planned to pursue.

    By being willing to learn, work hard and take opportunities when they appeared, that first placement eventually opened the door to his career with Mountjoy.

    🎧 Episode 9 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, featuring Brian Muzuva talking to Angel, is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Catch up with every episode at expressfm.com/workwise.


    If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.

    Rozwiń Zwiń
    12 min
  • WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Episode 8: Specialising in Plumbing with Joe Harvey

    WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast Episode 8: Specialising in Plumbing with Joe Harvey
    Sep 2 2026

    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here

    What happens after you complete an apprenticeship? How do you decide which career path is right for you?

    In Episode 8 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Callum speaks to Joe Harvey about his apprenticeship journey, the skills he developed along the way, and why he chose to specialise in plumbing.

    Joe began his career in September 2023 as a Level 2 Property Maintenance Apprentice while studying at City of Portsmouth College. During the two-year programme, he spent one day each week at college while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace.

    One of the biggest benefits of the Property Maintenance Apprenticeship is the opportunity to experience a variety of trades. Throughout his training, Joe developed practical skills in plumbing, carpentry, plastering, electrical work, painting and decorating, tiling, flooring, general maintenance, temporary repairs and customer service.

    This broad experience allowed him to gain a better understanding of the industry and discover which trade suited his interests and strengths.

    After successfully completing his apprenticeship, Joe decided to focus on plumbing and has now progressed into the role of Plumbing Improver. Since May 2026, he has been working independently, putting into practice the skills and knowledge he developed during his apprenticeship while continuing to gain experience on the job.

    Joe is currently awaiting his formal qualification certificate and will soon progress into a role as a fully qualified plumber, marking the next step in his career.

    During the episode, Joe talks about what attracted him to an apprenticeship, the challenges and rewards of learning multiple trades, and how he made the decision to specialise in plumbing. He also shares insights into a typical working day and offers advice for young people who may be considering a similar career path.

    For anyone interested in plumbing, property maintenance or the construction industry, Joe's story highlights how apprenticeships can provide a strong foundation, helping you explore different opportunities before choosing the route that suits you best.

    Listen now to hear how Joe developed his skills, found his passion for plumbing, and is building a successful career through apprenticeship training.


    If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.

    Rozwiń Zwiń
    7 min
  • WorkWise Podcast Episode 7: Building a Career in Quantity Surveying with Aidan Whitlock

    WorkWise Podcast Episode 7: Building a Career in Quantity Surveying with Aidan Whitlock
    Aug 26 2026

    If you have a question about an apprenticeship, click here

    What does a Quantity Surveyor do, and how can an apprenticeship help you build a career in the construction industry while earning a degree?

    In Episode 7 of the WorkWise Apprenticeship Podcast, Leon speaks to Aidan Whitlock about his journey into quantity surveying, the opportunities that apprenticeships can offer, and why he believes they are a fantastic route into the industry.

    Aidan began his career at Mountjoy in November 2022 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. In the role, he supported the commercial team with costing projects and gained valuable experience in the financial and contractual side of construction. This early experience helped him build a strong understanding of how projects are planned, managed and delivered.

    As his knowledge and confidence grew, Aidan took the next step in his development. In September 2024, he became an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor and enrolled on a Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship.

    This six-year programme combines practical workplace experience with university-level study, allowing Aidan to work towards becoming a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor while continuing to earn and gain hands-on experience in the industry.

    Throughout the episode, Aidan explains what quantity surveying involves, the skills required for the role, and how balancing work and study has helped him develop both professionally and personally. He also discusses the benefits of degree apprenticeships and how they provide an alternative route to higher education without following the traditional university pathway.

    Away from his day-to-day role, Aidan has also played an important part in promoting apprenticeships to the next generation. For the past two years, he has visited local schools on behalf of Mountjoy, sharing his own experiences and helping young people understand the opportunities available through apprenticeship programmes.

    In this conversation, Aidan offers honest advice for anyone considering a career in construction, explains what he enjoys most about quantity surveying, and reflects on the journey he has taken so far.

    If you're interested in construction, business, finance, project management, or degree apprenticeships, this episode provides a fascinating insight into a career that plays a crucial role behind the scenes of every successful project.

    Listen now to hear how Aidan is combining practical experience with higher education and building a career as a future Chartered Surveyor.


    If you have any questions about the podcast, apprenticeships or Mountjoy please send us a message.

    Rozwiń Zwiń
    12 min