Published: 05/02/2021, 16:00
New Engineering Apprentice, Hollie Evans, explains her passion for engineering and debunks gender stereotypes
The new Brammer Buck & Hickman Apprenticeship Scheme is delighted to welcome Hollie Evans to its fold. Hollie is one of three newly recruited Engineering apprentices and is based in our Wolverhampton Engineering Centre.
Hollie has a long-standing interest in all things engineering: “It’s different from other jobs where you’re stuck in an office. I like doing things, physically. I always have; as a child I liked Lego and K’nex building toys, seeing how things fit together.”
Hollie’s interest in engineering was encouraged by her engineer dad, whom she cites as “100% my inspiration, although don’t tell him that”, and by her school where she had the opportunity to study and qualify in engineering to A Level. “I’m not sure if I would have gone into engineering if I didn’t have the opportunity at school. It’s only when I tried it and realised how much I enjoyed it that it became an option.”
Rather than take her learning to University level, Hollie was keen to combine it with hands-on, shopfloor experience. The Brammer Buck & Hickman Apprenticeship Scheme offered this mixed approach and more: “I have no idea what area of engineering I want to go into, although I prefer hands-on to CAD, so the apprenticeship is ideal. It gives me the opportunity to grow my knowledge and skills and also grow with the company”.
Currently Hollie is working on motors and gearboxes, stripping them down step by step under the supervision of Lead Engineer, Lee Downes. At College, she is close to completing a hand tools project on drill drift. “I’m doing a lot more than I thought I would! It’s great to be able to do actual work, although obviously under close supervision. Lee asks me how I’m going to do something and, if that’s the right process, he lets me do it.”
Starting out in a career is always challenging, but being a woman in a male dominated industry can make that choice even more scary. What does Hollie think of this? “Well, there weren’t many young females doing engineering at school, and at the college I now attend there’s only one other. It’s mostly teenage lads, but they have all been very nice and respectful, even whilst behaving like teenage lads! At work, it’s the same, although I’m working with older gents. I thought it might be a bit weird, but that’s just a stereotype and actually I feel very comfortable working with them and they have been very respectful and welcoming.”
For Hollie, the real challenge hasn’t been gender related, but age! “The biggest challenge has been coming from school to a workplace and having to make adult decisions. I have to be fully responsible for myself for the first time, whether it’s getting myself to work or having to make decisions at work rather than being told what to do. It excites and scares me!” Now that’s something we can all relate to!
The Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme is one of three new programmes launched by Brammer Buck & Hickman this year. It represents our highest value apprenticeship, with 80% being invaluable on-the-job learning. Opportunities to join these schemes are still available, so visit ukcareers.rubix.com to find out more.
As an organisation committed to promoting equal opportunity for all and promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment and culture for all, we actively welcome applications from everyone.