Profile: BAE Systems apprentice Joshua Sandat

Have you always been interested in engineering?

Engineering projects have always been a personal interest and hobby of mine. First and foremost, I love cars and can often be found in my workshop tinkering with them. I regularly undertake my own small motor projects and build motorbikes in my spare time – all of which are heavily modified and engineered for different applications. Prior to my work at BAE Systems, I was also hired by a local restaurant to help them design and develop a new type of kebab machine – it’s still in use today with a patented design!

Designing and developing products, and solving problems are things I have always loved, so pursuing engineering professionally seemed like a natural fit for me.

Why did you choose an Engineering apprenticeship?

I always knew that university wasn’t the right choice for me; I wanted an opportunity where I could learn whilst earning. While the guidance from my sixth form was unfortunately heavily geared towards university applications, I came across the BAE apprenticeship vacancy on Indeed through my own research. It looked like a good opportunity for me, especially as it was close to home in Chelmsford.