EAL (Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited)

Charlotte joined the Apprenticeship programme at BAE System’s Rochester site at the age of sixteen, going on to win a company Apprenticeship Award. Her qualifications in electrical and electronics engineering have helped her secure a role in the production team to build components for projects such as the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

“Starting my career at such a young age has meant that, through my Apprenticeship, I already have years of experience as well as on the job training. It has been a brilliant opportunity, and the work and life skills I’ve picked up along the way will really help to steer me on the right career path. There is no substitute for this kind of experience; I’m now working on high profile projects, and taking another EAL qualification in Business-Improvement Techniques in order to continue learning.”

“My qualification means a lot to me – it’s helped me develop my career and given me a trade to learn. Everything that I gained from college has been very relevant to my job, and you’re always learning new skills relating to theory and practice until they come naturally. The experience will keep me moving forward in my career: it has opened up new opportunities and I’m planning to continue my education in the future and work towards a degree.”

Kayley’s outstanding work as an apprentice taking EAL’s Level 3 NVQ in Building Services Engineering Technology and Project Management secured an award from the West Yorkshire Lifelong Learning Network, as well as a commendation at the regional Apprenticeship Awards for Yorkshire and Humber. Kayley was recognised as NG Bailey’s Apprentice of the Year in 2009.

“My EAL qualification has helped me to go out into the industry and work alongside people who are a lot more experienced than me. I’m much more confident now as a person and really proud of what I’ve achieved. As an apprentice I’ve been able to work my way up and earn while I learn. It’s given me the perfect start and will help me to continue moving up the career ladder as far as I can go.”

Bernadean achieved a bespoke industry awareness certificate that EAL helped Thamesteel to develop for staff from across the business.  The experience has had a hugely positive effect on her role in the workplace, and she is now working towards an EAL NVQ in Business and Administration to support her in her responsibilities.

"The course was perfectly suited to the environment I work in and has transformed my awareness of how the plant operates.  It helps me a great deal with supporting our company directors to understand everything from the very start of the manufacturing process to the end products we produce.  I can work effectively with our management as a result, and improve my skills even further by gaining a national qualification in business and administration."

Dominic won BAE Systems’ inaugural Apprentice of the Year Award in 2010 after choosing vocational qualifications as his preferred route to a career in industry. With five years’ practical experience under his belt, he helps to mentor the company’s new apprentices and has his sights set on combining a foundation degree with his role in electronics repairs.