GetMyFirstJob Ambassador
Hello, I Am Keira Smith
I chose to pursue an apprenticeship because I felt university wasn’t the right path for me. I’ve always had a passion for engineering and wanted to take a more hands-on approach to learning. An apprenticeship offered the perfect opportunity to gain real-world, on-the-job experience and earn while I learn, all while developing valuable skills in a practical environment.
Tell us more about your experience
My apprenticeship involves rotating through different departments within the business, which gives me a valuable opportunity to understand how everything fits together. So far, I’ve been working alongside the Supplier Quality Engineers. This role involves communicating with and visiting suppliers to address issues with parts that may not meet specifications. It’s a problem-solving environment, where we work together to identify the root cause and develop effective solutions. No two days are the same—because we work with so many different components, there’s almost always a new challenge to tackle.
Although I’ve only been in my apprenticeship for eight months, I’ve already had the chance to get involved in some amazing opportunities. I’ve completed Mental Health First Aid training, and I even held my own event at my former school to promote apprenticeships. I’ve also become involved in several groups within my workplace, which has helped me meet some genuinely lovely people—many of whom I might not have crossed paths with if I hadn’t thrown myself into those opportunities.
One of the biggest challenges for me so far has been moving between departments. I tend to settle in and become comfortable with certain teams, and I worry that I might not make the same connections elsewhere. But the culture at Parker Meggitt is incredibly supportive. Everyone here is committed to helping apprentices succeed, and the warm, welcoming environment has really helped ease my worries. It’s comforting to know that I’m surrounded by people who want to see me grow.
We also have our Early Careers Advisor, who is always happy to chat and offer support whenever we need it. On top of that, team members across the business make a real effort to be approachable and helpful, making up a strong support network that’s always there for us.
Looking ahead, I would love the opportunity to stay on at Parker Meggitt after my apprenticeship ends—ideally returning to the quality team, which I’ve really enjoyed. That said, I’m still in my first year and keen to explore more areas of the business before deciding where I see myself long-term. I’m excited to keep learning and developing throughout the rest of my journey here.
If you’re thinking about doing an apprenticeship—my advice is: go for it. I know it can feel daunting stepping into a workplace, especially when you're surrounded by people with more experience, or you feel like you don’t know enough. But that’s exactly what an apprenticeship is for. No one expects you to know everything from day one—employers want to teach you, guide you, and help you grow. So don’t be afraid. Be curious, be confident, and give it a go. You won’t regret it!