Building a Career in UK Aerospace with Chris Woodhams
Aerospace in the UK is often seen as a sector reserved for top graduates and linear career paths. But in reality, the industry is built on people who have taken unconventional routes, developed hands-on skills, and embraced opportunities outside the traditional mould.
In this episode, Chris Woodhams shares how apprenticeships shaped his career and why culture, adaptability, and soft skills are just as important as technical expertise. Whether you’re starting out, leading a team, or thinking about your next move in aerospace, his experience highlights the lessons that matter most.
Our highlights from the conversation:
★ You don’t need to be an engineer to lead transformation
Chris didn’t get an apprenticeship on his first try, but perseverance led him to a four-year programme at Goodrich (now part of Rolls-Royce). He emphasises that apprenticeships give you both theory and responsibility early on, something that traditional academic routes often delay.
★ Success doesn’t follow a straight line
From engineering test systems to running a business with his father, Chris’s path shows that careers in aerospace are rarely linear. Each move taught him new skills and reshaped what success meant, from gaining a degree to creating solutions that bring people along on the journey.
★ Failure is part of progress
At one point, Chris considered quitting his apprenticeship to go straight into university. Looking back, he sees this moment not as a failure but as a critical turning point. He believes businesses should actively celebrate failures, as they often spark the best learning and innovation.
★ Culture is as important as engineering
While aerospace demands technical precision, Chris argues that culture is what drives performance. From celebrating mistakes to giving people the right tools, culture defines whether teams thrive under pressure or burn out.
★ Work–life balance ebbs and flows
Aerospace projects are full of uncertainty, which can make balance difficult to manage. Some periods require extra hours and intense focus, but these should be followed by time to rest and reset. For him, balance isn’t about perfection every day—it’s about recognising the cycle of high-pressure work and recovery.
🎧 Tune In
If you want to understand what it really takes to build a career in UK aerospace, this episode offers practical and honest reflections.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full conversation on YouTube. And if you enjoy it, follow the show for more episodes with people redefining careers in manufacturing and aerospace.
