Together We Engineer: Voices of Women Transforming the Future

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your route into engineering? Did you always know you wanted to go into engineering?

Emma: I’m currently in the third year of a five-year Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at Thales, studying Mechatronics Engineering alongside working in the business. I’ve always enjoyed hands-on problem-solving and loved Technology and Design at school. I didn’t fully understand what engineering involved at first, but I knew I wanted something practical and technical, and this path has allowed me to explore that. 

Freya: I’m doing a Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. I studied Maths, Computer Science and Psychology at A-level and always knew I preferred a hands-on way of learning. I didn’t have a specific role in mind - I just knew I enjoyed problem-solving and working in tech. It was only when I found this apprenticeship that I realised how varied engineering could be. 

Natasha: I studied Physics at university, but I didn’t always see engineering as my path. I was more interested in creative subjects when I was younger, but over time I realised I enjoyed maths and science more.I realised I wanted to work on something more hands-on and tangible, which led me to Thales in Glasgow as a Software Engineer. I moved into algorithms and became the technical lead for a customer funded R&D programme before moving into engineering delivery. I loved being able to see the real-world impact of what I was working on.

Natalie: I didn’t go to university straight after school, I spent time working out what I wanted to do. When I did go, I studied Maths and Computer Science. After graduating, I joined Dstl and spent around ten years there. I then decided to return to academia to pursue an Engineering Doctorate that was supported by Thales and directly applicable to DigitalCrew®. Once completed, I chose to stay at Thales. Today, I’m an AI & Algorithms Solution Architect, which is a role I’ve grown into over many years of technical work and problem-solving.

2. What does your role involve?

Emma: A big part of my role is testing products to make sure they can withstand different environmental conditions and perform reliably. It’s very hands-on, we push products to their limits using things like environmental chambers to improve performance and reliability. 

Freya: Systems engineering is about following a project through its whole lifecycle - from understanding requirements through to development, testing and deployment. I like how it gives you exposure to lots of different areas and helps you understand how everything fits together. 

Natasha: My role is about developing software that translates into real-world capability. You can write code and then immediately test it on real systems and see the results in action, which makes the work feel very tangible.

Natalie: A big part of my role is understanding problems and deciding how technology can help solve them. AI is a big focus, but it’s not about using it for the sake of it - it’s about finding the right solution, considering safety, reliability and real-world use. 

3. What made you choose an apprenticeship route, and did you ever feel put off by stereotypes around engineering?

Emma: I wanted a route where I could learn practically as well as academically. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to gain real experience alongside a degree. At first, it was a bit intimidating seeing more men applying, but once you’re in the workplace, you realise it’s about your attitude and ability.

Freya: I liked the idea of learning while working and applying things straight away. I’m someone who learns by doing, so it suited me much better than a purely academic route. I think awareness is still a challenge - many people don’t fully understand what engineering involves. 

4. Are you seeing more women coming into engineering now?

Emma: There’s definitely a shift happening, especially through apprenticeships. More people are realising they can earn while they learn and still gain a degree-level qualification. 

Freya: When I first applied, there were more men, and it was intimidating at first. But once you’re in the role, gender really doesn’t matter - everyone is there to learn and contribute. It’s also encouraging to see women further ahead in their careers. 

Natasha: There’s still progress to be made, but things are improving. Seeing women in technical leadership roles makes a huge difference - it shows that those careers are possible. 

Natalie: When I first started, women were often assumed to be in non-technical roles. That’s changing now, with more women entering engineering and progressing into senior positions. Representation really matters. 

5. What advice would you give to someone considering engineering or apprenticeships?

Emma: Give it a go. You don’t need to have everything figured out and you shouldn’t let stereotypes put you off. Engineering is much broader than people realise. 

Freya: Don’t be afraid to try something new and stay open-minded. There are so many paths within engineering, and you don’t need to know exactly where you’ll end up. 

Natasha: Try to get as much real-world experience as possible. Communication, confidence and resilience are just as important as technical skills. Careers aren’t always linear and it’s okay to figure things out as you go along. The important thing is finding something you genuinely enjoy doing.

Natalie: Don’t limit yourself based on outdated perceptions. Engineering covers so many different disciplines and opportunities that there’s genuinely space for all kinds of personalities and skillsets. You don’t need to fit a stereotype. I’d also say that engineering is very collaborative. It’s about working in teams, learning constantly and solving problems together. Most importantly, choose something you genuinely enjoy.