Helen Donnelly
Service Operator
Variety is the spice of life, explains Helen Donnelly
Helen Donnelly, a service operator at Thales Belfast, explains why engineering presents a wealth of opportunities for people of all types of ability and ambition.
Please give me a brief introduction to your role at Thales?
I started at Thales in 2006 and first worked at the Crossgar site. After seven years at Crossgar, I transferred to the Belfast site and have been working there for four and a half years as a service operator. Some of my responsibilities include tool maintenance, chemical control, first aid and forklift driving, to name a few.
The old perception of engineering, or other roles in this industry being dominated by one type of person is no longer the case. There is a wide variety of opportunities available for people of all types of ability and ambition.
What inspired you to join Thales?
Thales appealed to me due to it being an innovative and interesting company, with a variety of products. I saw joining as an opportunity to develop my career and to see and experience different aspects of engineering, such as mechanical, machining, electrical, and test and electrical and systems trials.
What have been the highlights of your time at Thales?
The diversity of work I’ve experienced has been the main positive for me. From witnessing a final weapons system build in Crossgar, to experiencing product development in Belfast. I’ve had a wide range of experiences.
What advice or motivation would you give to other women looking to pursue a career path such as yours?
Go for it. The old perception of engineering, or other roles in this industry being dominated by one type of person is no longer the case. There is a wide variety of opportunities available for people of all types of ability and ambition.
In your opinion, how would you sum up the importance of diversity in the workplace?
Diversity is very important as it opens one’s mind to new views and experiences and this can be transferred to better ways of working, better communications and better all-round experiences in the workplace. It helps to break down social and technical barriers that may otherwise exist.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As with all jobs, sometimes it has its frustrations, although they are few and far between and there is always someone to call upon for help and support if the need arises. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and the continued increase of diversity within the Thales workplace.