Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting journey filled with hands-on learning and real-world insight. In this blog for National Apprenticeship Week 2025, ADS Marketing Apprentice, Marley Sookool, shares his experiences.
How long have you been in your current role?
I’m ADS’ first ever apprentice. I joined ADS in August 2023 as a Marketing Apprentice as part of a small marketing team. It’s been a really steep but enjoyable learning curve over the last 18 months. I’m now approaching the end of my apprenticeship and I can’t believe how quickly it has gone.
What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship because it seemed like a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and kickstart my career. In school I was interested in media studies and creative production, I had multiple teachers encourage me to take the path of an apprenticeship. This was an extremely refreshing view compared to the standard university approach. It was this advice that pushed me to begin looking into apprenticeships.
As I continued my college studies, I began to become interested in the business side and ended up landing on marketing which I feel has a perfect balance of business and creativity!
How do you feel an apprenticeship has benefited your career?
You’re able to learn while earning and you gain the job specific key skills needed. This on-the-job learning really appealed to me and being able to put what I’m learning about into practice is great.
As an apprentice at ADS, you are treated like an equal, valued, and given lots of chances for progression. During my time with ADS, I have developed myself professionally and personally helping me become the person I am today. I have a lot to thank my colleagues and team here at ADS for.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in this sector?
I would say to discard all preconceptions you may have on the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors because they’ll surprise you in the best way possible.
When I started at ADS, I quite honestly knew very little about the sectors apart from that an airplane is what takes you on holiday. As I have progressed in my role, I have seen how vital and exciting our sectors are. They support day to day life in ways you could never imagine.
Apprentices are a vital part of our sectors and are beneficial for both the companies and apprentices. Our sectors employ 23,000+ apprentices and as an employer it is a great opportunity to help support the development of our future workforce.
What standout moments are there from your apprenticeship?
For me it would be the events. During my time here I have attended lots of key events including DSEI, two ADS Annual Dinners, two ADS Apprentice Receptions and Security & Policing. However, the main standout moment would have to be Farnborough International Airshow 2024. It was a great event to work at and attend. So much work went into the lead up and throughout the week and it was very rewarding to see everything come together.
