“My grandfather was in the air force and had an old flight simulator that he let me have a go in,” he said.

Having joined Springwood for his A levels, there was really just the one course of action, and Will took it by applying to Lockheed Martin for a prestigious apprenticeship working with the company at RAF Marham.

The Norfolk air base took delivery of the latest F-35 fighters in 2018 and the plane is described as ‘the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft ever built.’

The F-35B Lightning operates from RAF Marham and works alongside the Typhoon, boasting a top speed of Mach 1.6 and a ceiling of 50,000ft. Lockheed Martin signed a contract last year for supporting the F-35 fleet in the UK.

Will started his role in August and is enjoying every moment of learning all about Project Management at the internationally-renowned company. Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace and defence company, has been established in the UK for 80 years. It works across more than 17 locations in the UK and employs around 2,000 staff.

“I studied business, media and photography for my A levels, and soon made friends at Springwood. The school was very supportive and I enjoyed my time there,” he said.

Studying business was always part of Will’s plan but he shifted from an original idea of digital marketing as a career when he discovered what was on offer via the apprenticeship.

“It’s a great opportunity and, while being challenged with interviews and the threat of it being a competitive role, I am grateful to say I was successful in securing the apprenticeship” he said. 

Will has to spend 20 per cent of his working life studying with the company as part of his apprenticeship and at the end of his two years the company will offer him a permanent role.

“It’s a really good scheme and is a great way of getting started in a career.”