To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’ve been hearing from apprentices enjoying great opportunities and exciting experiences in the UK automotive industry.
They include Charlotte Maher, a 19-year-old EU FinTech BackEnd Developer at Ford of Britain.
Name: Charlotte Maher
Age: 19
Apprentice role: EU FinTech BackEnd Developer
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job as an EU FinTech Java developer… it’s hard to say just one thing. I suppose the main thing that stands out for me is the reward of delivering. I have completed a series of development work, but my recent work has been officially launched an Indicative Finance Calculator in 2 EU Markets, Ireland and Greece. Being able to see my work in a live production website is the most rewarding.
Which skills have you learned recently?
Recently, I’ve been focusing on expanding my skillset in several key areas. On the pure Java side, I’ve deepened my understanding of Spring Boot, particularly around building robust and scalable REST APIs. I’ve completed a certification focusing on microservices architecture and best practices within Spring Cloud, which has been invaluable in our current project migrating legacy systems. This involved a significant learning curve in implementing service discovery, circuit breakers, and distributed tracing – crucial for maintaining application resilience and observability at scale.
Beyond Java specifics, I’ve been actively developing my skills in translating business requirements into technical solutions. I’ve found that effective collaboration with stakeholders is crucial, and I’ve been working on improving my communication and elicitation techniques. This includes learning to identify implicit needs and translating vague requirements into concrete user stories and technical specifications. I’ve also been actively involved in code reviews, focusing not just on technical correctness but also on code readability and maintainability, which has improved my understanding of collaborative software development. Finally, I’ve started exploring DevOps principles and practices, focusing on CI/CD pipelines, particularly using Jenkins, to streamline our development workflow and improve our deployment processes. The certifications I completed have certainly helped formalize and validate these skills.
Is there a particular experience or opportunity at work that you really liked and could share?
A particular experience that comes to mind is a simple but memorable one. Early on into my apprentice career in FinTech I was given the opportunity to deliver a Proof of Concept on a new tool that has just been launched but came very recommended. My manager gave me the opportunity to lead this project start to finish. And to this day it has been one of my favorite projects. I learnt so much practical experience in implementing and testing the new tool, but I also honed my project management skills, learning how to effectively plan, execute, and deliver a project within a tight timeframe. The sense of ownership and responsibility was incredibly rewarding, and the positive feedback I received from my manager and colleagues further boosted my confidence. It solidified my understanding of the software development lifecycle and highlighted the importance of clear communication and collaboration. Most importantly, it showed me that even seemingly small projects can offer invaluable learning opportunities and provide a significant boost to professional growth. The success of that POC not only contributed to the company’s adoption of the new tool but also significantly increased my confidence and shaped my approach to future projects.
What do you think makes the automotive sector an exciting place to work?
The automotive sector, particularly at a company like Ford, isn’t just about building cars; it’s about shaping the future of mobility. What excites me most isn’t just the tangible product – the vehicles themselves – but the incredibly rapid pace of technological change and the sheer scale of the challenges we’re tackling. We’re not just refining existing technologies; we’re fundamentally re-imagining the entire driving experience.
The confluence of software engineering, advanced materials science, manufacturing automation, and sustainable energy solutions creates a uniquely stimulating environment. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, collaborate with experts across diverse disciplines, and contribute to solutions that will impact billions of people. The sheer complexity of a modern vehicle, the intricate interplay of its systems, and the constant drive for innovation – from electric powertrains to autonomous driving – make it a constantly evolving and intellectually rewarding field. It’s a place where you can truly see the direct impact of your work on a global scale, and that’s incredibly motivating.
Is there any advice or encouragement that you could give to someone who wants to start an apprenticeship in the automotive sector but worries it isn’t for them?
The automotive sector is undergoing a massive transformation, and that can feel daunting. It’s natural to have reservations, especially when considering a long-term commitment like an apprenticeship. My advice would be to approach any apprehension with curiosity, not fear. Instead of focusing on whether it’s “for you” right now, consider what aspects of the industry pique your interest. Do you enjoy problem-solving? Are you fascinated by technology?
Do you appreciate the intricate mechanics of how things work?
The beauty of an apprenticeship is the hands-on experience and the structured learning path. You’ll be mentored by experienced professionals, gaining practical skills and knowledge alongside theoretical learning. This isn’t about jumping straight into expert-level tasks; it’s about building a solid foundation and discovering your niche within the broader automotive world. There’s a place for everyone, from software developers to manufacturing engineers to design specialists.
Don’t let the perceived complexity discourage you. The industry is actively seeking talent with diverse skill sets, and an apprenticeship provides a fantastic opportunity to explore your potential and find your passion within this dynamic field. Embrace the challenges, lean on your mentors, and remember that the journey itself is a significant part of the learning process. If you’re even slightly intrigued, I’d strongly encourage you to explore the possibilities further. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving.
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