New Member Spotlight
Brandon Carter, Apprentice Affiliate, 21
Location: Crawley, UK
Job Title: Software Engineering Apprentice at Thales within the avionics business.
What inspired you into aviation? As a kid, I used to ask a lot of questions, mainly how things work, why, and what would happen if I did that. Some of those questions were smart and some were just silly but most of them were unanswered. I found physics a really interesting subject because it happened to provide answers to most of these questions, so I thought that I was going to study physics at university but I realised that it’s the satisfaction of solving problems and constantly learning new things that I enjoy. I have found that this career allows me to continue those things every day.
What is the best thing about your apprenticeship? My apprenticeship gives me the great experience of working on real-life projects while studying which means I get to apply my knowledge and put my skills into practice. As well as meeting some great people and having fun working on different projects, I have gained confidence in the working environment with the dedicated support from my team.
What made you join the Royal Aeronautical Society? I joined the Royal Aeronautical Society for the resources and networking opportunities. Having access to all of the content the Society provides will help facilitate ‘wider reading’.
What do you hope to get out of your membership? I hope to use my membership to further my professional development and keep informed about the latest developments and issues within aerospace/avionics. I would also like to be involved in projects that aim to promote the industry to younger people showing them the range of opportunities available, as I don’t think enough people find it accessible.
What three items would you take with you to the space station? I would have to take my camera to photograph the many sunrises and sunsets that are seen by the ISS every day, a couple of photographs of friends and family and my phone for music.
What’s your favourite aircraft? Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Who is your biggest inspiration? I don’t really have a single biggest inspiration; I do appreciate people like Erwin Schrodinger, however, who’s work in the mid-1920s was so instrumental to the development of concepts that underpin much of the 21st century’s modern science that we have learned to take for granted. It’s people like him who inspire me to do great things.
Why do you think apprentices should take advantage of free membership with the Society? I think apprentices should take advantage of the opportunity; as membership is free, there is really nothing to lose. The many resources available will help in terms of professional development, knowledge and, hopefully, interest. It’s also a chance to meet new people and be recognised.