Two engineers who chose apprenticeships over traditional academic routes are urging young people to consider all the options available to them as thousands receive their exam results today (13 August). 

Today is A-level and T Level results day, and with GCSE results day next Thursday 20 August, adi Group’s Kyle Sterry and Jacy Stanley have shared how apprenticeships allowed them to begin building long-term engineering careers.

Their comments come as the number of people choosing apprenticeships continues to rise. Provisional Department for Education figures show that 308,770 apprenticeships were started in England between August 2025 and April 2026, an increase of 8.7 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier. Higher apprenticeship starts rose by 13.6 per cent to 126,660.

Kyle, now a Project Engineer at adi Mechanical, joined the engineering firm as an apprentice at 17 after deciding that classroom-based learning was not the right route for him.

Over the following 11 years, he progressed from working in the company’s workshop to supervising major projects and ultimately managing projects himself.

“If the career you want requires a university degree, university is the right choice. However, if you are interested in a practical profession that offers an apprenticeship, it should be considered as a serious route into a career, not a second-best option.
Kyle Sterry, Project Engineer, adi Mechanical

Kyle said: “I was quite academic at school and studied physics, chemistry and maths at AS level, but I became bored of sitting behind a desk. I couldn’t see the real-world application of what I was learning and realised that I wanted to work with my hands.

“I was one of the only people in my friendship group who chose an apprenticeship. While my friends were at university, I was earning money and gaining experience in a field that interested me. Starting earlier allowed me to develop practical knowledge and progress sooner.

“If the career you want requires a university degree, university is the right choice. However, if you are interested in a practical profession that offers an apprenticeship, it should be considered as a serious route into a career, not a second-best option.”

Kyle’s progression has included supervising a multi-million pound water treatment project in Peterborough and engineering projects for businesses including Estrella Damm and Mars Chocolate.

Jacy Stanley, who is completing a Level 4 Building Controls Engineer Apprenticeship with adi Intelligent Buildings, will enter the third year of his programme in September. He is expected to qualify at the end of that year before beginning his fourth year with the company as a qualified engineer.

Like Kyle, Jacy discovered that he was better suited to learning through practical experience after completing a college course in mechanical engineering.

Jacy said: “I wasn’t a fan of the academic side of my college course and realised that I much preferred being hands-on. Several members of my family had completed apprenticeships, so I was already familiar with the route and what it could offer.

“There are so many disciplines within engineering. I considered everything from mechanical to electrical engineering before discovering building management systems. I love that it’s a niche area.

“I’m now continually learning new things and regularly applying that knowledge on-site. Alongside my qualification, I have also completed specialist software courses and gained experience that I will be able to use throughout my career.”

There can still be outdated perceptions about the engineering industry, however, with the right support behind you, an apprenticeship can help you achieve some incredible things.
Jacy Stanley, Level 4 Building Controls Engineer Apprentice, adi Intelligent Buildings

During his apprenticeship, Jacy has worked across sites for organisations including M&S and leading car manufacturers. One of his proudest projects involved contributing to an MRI facility at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

He was also named Apprentice of the Year at adi Group’s internal employee awards after setting himself the goal of winning the accolade during his first year with the business.

Jacy added: “There can still be outdated perceptions about the engineering industry, however, with the right support behind you, an apprenticeship can help you achieve some incredible things.

“You can gain recognised qualifications, earn money, build practical experience and begin a career path that could last for the rest of your working life.”

With results days often framed around university places and clearing, both engineers are encouraging students and their families to give equal consideration to employment-led training.

Kyle said: “Whatever results you receive, things have a way of working themselves out. Whether you choose university, an apprenticeship or another route into work, what matters is being willing to work hard, ask questions and learn.

“Nobody expects an apprentice to be brilliant at the job on their first day. Employers are looking for people who are willing to learn and improve.”

Jacy added: “Ask yourself where you genuinely want to go. An apprenticeship allows you to begin earning, achieve qualifications and gain meaningful workplace experience at the same time. It can be the beginning of a highly rewarding career.”

For more information, visit: https://adiltd.co.uk/apprentice-academy