From First Impressions to Future Career: Katie’s Apprenticeship Journey at Lockheed Martin
A Week That Sparked a Career
During Lockheed Martin’s dedicated work experience week, Katie was immersed in the breadth of life at Lockheed Martin. She met leaders from across the business, gaining insight into how different departments work together to deliver complex projects. She took part in a coding competition, developed her CV, and even explored an F-35 simulator—an unforgettable introduction to cutting-edge technology.
More than the activities themselves, it was the culture that stood out. The exposure to leadership, innovation, and collaboration revealed that a career doesn’t follow just one path. Instead, it can be shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to explore.
Turning Inspiration into Action: The T Level
Motivated by that early experience, Katie chose to pursue a Business Management T-Level at college. The course offered the chance to apply learning in a practical, real-world context. Through projects such as redesigning a hotel booking system and creating a mobile catering expansion plan for a restaurant, she developed critical problem-solving skills and learned how classroom theory translates—or sometimes doesn’t—into market reality.
These assignments highlighted the importance of understanding customer needs, commercial constraints, and strategic thinking, laying strong foundations for a future in business.
Stepping into Industry
As part of her T-Level, Katie completed several two-week industry placements, returning to Lockheed Martin to deepen her understanding of the organisation. She shadowed teams across finance, marketing, and operations, gaining a holistic view of how the business functions day to day.
Her placements were hands-on and varied. Each experience built confidence, commercial awareness, and a growing sense that she was exactly where she wanted to be.
From Placement to Apprenticeship
While still on placement, Katie began conversations with the early careers team about her long-term goals. Those discussions led to a formal apprenticeship interview, where she was able to draw directly on her college projects and industry experience to demonstrate her readiness for the role.
At the start of the new academic year, she was offered a place on the Level 4 Commercial Apprenticeship—bringing her journey full circle.
Why Lockheed Martin
What sets Lockheed Martin apart, Katie says, is the apprenticeship framework itself. Each apprentice is paired with a mentor, enabling rapid skill development alongside real responsibility from day one. The culture emphasises collaboration, continuous learning, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility—values that resonate deeply with her.
What She Enjoys Most
For Katie, no two days are the same. She thrives on constant learning, welcomes the accountability that comes with owning her work, and values the supportive team culture that encourages everyone to succeed together.
Advice for Future Apprentices
Her advice is simple but powerful: start early and treat every experience as a strategic audition. Ask questions, volunteer across functions, and take the time to map out your desired path. Seek apprenticeship information early, embrace continuous learning, and don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills—communication, collaboration, and curiosity matter.