Masuma visits Number 10
We are delighted that Masuma Ismael, who joined Saab UK as an apprentice, recently had the opportunity to talk about her journey and her work with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Masuma works in Saab Seaeye, where she is focused on underwater robotics software. They are located at our new Fareham campus which was opened earlier this year. The campus also manufactures and supports the Giraffe 1X radar which has contributed to Saab's growth in the UK.
"I recently had the honour of being invited to 10 Downing Street to share my journey as a first-in-family apprentice and engineer. It was an incredible experience to sit at the table with the Prime Minister and other first-in-family success stories, reflecting on the importance of opportunity, representation, and the future of engineering.
My journey was inspired early on by my father, who studied engineering while working long hours as a taxi driver. His resilience and dedication showed me that perseverance and education could open doors, no matter the circumstances.
Meeting the Prime Minister in person was both surreal and insightful. He asked thoughtful questions about apprenticeships, my role at Saab, and how my career began. The conversation reminded me that personal stories have the power to influence how opportunities are shaped for the next generation.
For me, apprenticeships have never been a shortcut - they are a powerful and equal route into industry. They do more than shape individual careers; they shape our collective future by opening doors to those who might otherwise be overlooked.
As someone who began my career through an apprenticeship and is now an Associate Software Engineer at Saab, this moment reinforced my belief that when we champion alternative pathways, we invest in a stronger and more inclusive workforce for generations to come."