A typical day as an apprentice at Culham varies from place
to place, as each department is very different. As a mechanical engineering
apprentice, I visit many different and fascinating departments with the site,
each offering new skills and technologies to learn. My current placement is
with the new Materials Research Facility, configuring their microscopes to
inspect small samples remotely as they will be in a hot cell.
As an apprentice, it’s important to spread the message that
apprenticeships are not a second choice or for the less academic. Many of the
outreach activities we carry out in schools and at events emphasize the fact
that there are apprenticeships available for every level in almost every job
you can imagine. It is important to show young people what they are capable of
and running small workshops can be really effective in giving them that first
step. We also invite schools to our site to conduct tours of the JET facility
to show them the science and engineering behind fusion reactors to inspire
them.
Being in an engineering environment can often mean I’m in a
male dominated department, which can sound daunting to younger females entering
the industry; however, my colleagues and supervisors are all extremely helpful
and friendly and treat me no differently from anyone else. It encourages and
motivates me to work hard to show that I am capable of doing the same tasks as
any other employee on site.
Women are becoming more present in engineering and
technician jobs, especially on Culham site, and we often support each other and
share our experiences. Culham was awarded the Bronze Athena Swan award to
recognise the efforts to improve gender equality.
