Aaron Stevens was just 19 years old when he was given the opportunity to work and study at optical systems and optoelectronics manufacturer, ZEISS. Despite feeling that his A-level grades would impact his career prospects, Aaron was accepted in 2012 onto the four-year course that would open the door into the exciting world of engineering.
“I always wanted to work in technology and engineering, but my grades in school were unfortunately not what I expected, so when I was offered the chance to work at a company like ZEISS, I knew I had to take it.” Aaron recalls: “I was initially really shy and had a constant sense of imposter syndrome. But ZEISS was amazing, the team pushed me to go as high as I could, and that experience helped me to get to where I am today.”
Receiving a Distinction in his apprenticeship, ZEISS invited him to join its graduate scheme where he would continue to gain hands-on experience alongside his theoretical studies. From then on, he has progressed in his career to his current role of product development engineer in the research and development department.
A keen advocate for apprenticeship programmes, he is now using his voice to amplify the positive impacts that alternative educational pathways can have on young people. In February 2021, he became a STEM Ambassador, working closely with local schools in Cambridgeshire to mentor and inspire young people to take advantage of the incredible engineering and technological opportunities right on their doorstep.
Alongside regular visits to careers fairs and speaking opportunities at schools in the local area, Aaron has taken on a mentoring role at Cambourne Village College as the students prepare for the First Tech Challenge, a nation-wide robotics design competition. Each week, he attends the Monday afterschool club and supports students in their efforts to design a competition winning entry.
Louise Wilkinson, Career Development Lead at ZEISS said: “Aaron is a shining example of the impact that apprenticeships can have on young people and his enthusiasm to influence the next generation of engineers is invaluable as he can share an honest account of just how beneficial they can be. We believe that the apprenticeship programme helps us to bring out the best in young people and assists them in reaching their full potential; we look forward to seeing the exciting innovations that the next generation will bring to the UK economy.”
The ZEISS apprenticeship programme has been running in the UK since 2010 with 11 placements currently taking place within engineering, finance, the customer partner team, and marketing and business operations. While the number of apprenticeships varies year on year, ZEISS continues to regularly provide multiple new opportunities across the business.
For Aaron, the passion behind his mentoring work goes beyond galvanising young people’s appetite for technology, helping to break down barriers and perceptions of who ‘can’ work in technology, engineering and research and design.
“Coming from an Afro-Caribbean heritage you didn’t see people from the same background working in research or engineering when I was growing up. So, having the opportunity to go into schools and give advice to teenagers is really important because if they can meet people from a variety of backgrounds, it can inspire them to pursue a career in tech. If I had had that same experience, it would have helped me to have more confidence going into the workplace. That’s why I’m keen to break down unconscious bias that exists and show young people that anyone can work in engineering and be successful.”
For more information on ZEISS and the apprenticeships it offers young people across Cambridgeshire visit – www.zeiss.co.uk/career.
