Keen to progress I moved onto a new company where I was put through an apprenticeship program. I studied for a Level 3 BTEC in Building Services Engineering on day release.

Using my working days to learn more about the fundamentals of refrigeration and to gain some hands-on experience in the factory, brazing and assembling commercial coolers.

I completed my apprenticeship with a Double Distinction, finishing top of the class and showing my male peers that’s girls can do just as well as boys (and often better). I received a Governor’s Award from College and made the final top 10 for RAC/IOR Student of the Year awards 2004.

I am grateful to the strong role model l had in my mother (also an engineer). She taught me to have confidence in my knowledge and to never give up on what I love. Her influence has propelled me through a career I am passionate about. Some days are more challenging than others, but with every challenge, I grow stronger and more confident in my abilities.

Fast forward 20 years from the start and I am still here, enjoying the career I’ve built. I’ve moved from airside product design to complete system design, and still love every bit of the job as much as I did all those years ago. Extremely proud to have been elected onto the Board of Trustees at the Institute of Refrigeration during 2019. A fantastic opportunity to really make a difference within our industry.