A SOLIHULL engineer has spoken about what inspired her to take up an apprentice and turn her career dreams into a reality.
Santina Bunting has dreamed of becoming an engineer from the age of 10, and it was when her mum introduced the world of apprenticeships to her at 16 she knew which path to take.
As part of National Engineering Day the Civil Engineering degree apprentice has explained why she chose to take what is seen as as unconventional option given her Grammar school background.
Santina is completing her apprenticeship course through university and her employer.
As an engineering apprentice she describes herself as feeling ‘empowered’ as she embraces a role that not only allows her to work on exciting national projects, but also international ones too.
She said: “When I weighed out the pros and cons of completing an apprenticeship, I could only ever think of the positives.
“Apprenticeships provide individuals with hands-on industry experience, help to develop their skills, plus you get paid and there’s no debt at the end – what’s not to love?
“On a more personal level, the route also allowed me to continue my theoretical learning by attending college and still getting the opportunity to work on real-life projects.
“I felt that was an important factor as the experience would give me a boost in my career and provide intricate insight into how a company works.”
A study carried out by The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board predicts by 2026, 91,000 engineers, nearly 20 per cent of the current UK Engineering workforce, will have retired or be just about to.
Additionally, they predict 29,000 technicians, which is nearly 18 per cent of the current technician workforce will have retired.
For Santina the attraction was being able to make a difference.
She added: “Another aspect that attracted me to this field is that engineering not only allows me to express myself creatively but also allows for problem-solving to create a positive impact on the world and the environment which is extremely rewarding. I’d also say I’m quite inquisitive by nature and engineering is all about questioning things and determining if it’s the best option.
“It’s also about inspiring other women and feeling empowered by working in an industry where females are in authoritative positions. For instance, everyone in my immediate team is a woman, including my group leader. It’s something I find really inspiring.”
The Department for Education’s Skills for Life campaign helps young people aged 14-19, and their parents, explore their education and training choices including T Levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications.
To speak with someone from the National Careers Service click here.
