A 19-YEAR-OLD has become the first of a new type of apprentice at an aerospace engineering firm in the city.

Samuel Humphreys joined Leonardo as its first systems degree engineering apprentice in Southampton

It is part of the company's national drive to "bulldoze barriers to inclusion" by increasing the early careers population by 50 per cent.

Leonardo is based at Millbrook Industrial Estate, where more than 400 people are employed.

The site produces electronic communications, optronics and infrared detectors.

Gadgets like these have been used for years by the BBC for nature series such as Springwatch and Planet Earth 2.

Samuel joined in September last year after studying an extended diploma in engineering at Elutec Academy of Design and Engineering in London.

He moved away from East London to take up the position, which is the first time he has ever worked away from home, friends and family.

He said that he likes feeling as though he is "part of something meaningful", working on technology in the "real world".

He added: “Systems engineering is so diverse that you’re not locked into one particular type of engineering. It involves electronics, design, manufacturing and troubleshooting.

"On an apprenticeship, you get to see how things work in the real world on live projects and you feel you’re at the centre of things from day one. Probably one of the most important things I’ve learned is adjusting to the workflow and pace of the business.

"You have to be quite motivated and self-sufficient and you’re encouraged to think for yourself."

He also said that the apprenticeship has made him more confident, independent and outgoing.

He has since become a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) ambassador, helping with educational activities such as the Southampton Robotic Games.

The new apprenticeship is being introduced as a fast track to a more senior systems engineering role, as apprentices can study while gaining on the job training.

Across the UK, the company is increasing its early career population by 50 per cent.

Leonardo is planning to hire an additional 300 apprentices, industrial placements and graduate scheme starters in 2023.

This will bring the total number of young people on early career schemes to 900.

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