Ollie Gerchen is a Technical Engineering Degree Apprentice at Roke.
"I didn't actually intend on going to university. I've always learnt better through practice than theory, so I wasn't sure it was for me. However, my apprenticeship has given me the best of both worlds. I get to see the practical application of what I learn in my degree course. It also means you're ready to work and more employable when you've finished your degree, as you know how to apply yourself and have valuable experience in the real world.
"I'm definitely pro apprenticeships. You get to learn on the job, it's practical, and you don't rack up a huge amount of student debt in the process.
"As a degree apprentice, I feel I'm given the freedom to explore the areas I'm interested in and not pigeon-holed in one area. In Roke, people are free to think, and that's why I like it. It's that feeling of being trusted to do a good job."
Find out more at: Careers – Chemring Group PLC
Watch Ollie's full interview: