It just feels like it was always meant to be engineering for me.
I found that I’ve received a lot more respect for being a female in this kind of industry.
Female engineers shouldn't be a rare thing - make it normal!
Here's what Harley told us about her time as an Engineering Apprentice at our Stephenson Campus!
Question: Who is your emplyer?
UK Rail Leasing Ltd
Question: Why did you choose to study an apprenticeship?
Qualificications are a must especially in the rail industry
Question: Why did you choose Engineering?
I feel like it's alll I know, it's in the blood! All my family, including my Grandma who wired in electrics on morris cranes back in the day and my Grandad who designs the same cranes, have been in the industry. It just feels like it was always meant to be engineering for me. Female engineers shouldn't be a rare thing - make it normal!
Question: What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?
Breaking work up with study to get an understanding in both practical and theoretical engineering!
Question: What are your career ambitions? Has your apprenticeship helped you to start working towards these ambitions?
I have always wanted to get into the heritage rail and eventually fire and drive. The type of work I do gives me good hands on experience with different locomotives. Also the people I work with have contacts in the heritage rail so I’m looking to go into that in the near future.
Question: Do you have any advice for people who are considering an apprenticeship? Or females getting into the industry?
Just do it. It’s always going to be nerve racking going into a new place of work and especially for females in a very highly male dominated industry but I found that I’ve received a lot more respect for being a female in this kind of industry.
Discover our Engineering courses here, where you can also apply!