Please give us a brief introduction to your role at Thales
I am currently a technician based at the Glasgow site, as part of the Thales UK land and air defence business. My role includes building electrical assemblies, working with chemicals and adhesives, and leading a COSHH system as I am the local COSHH coordinator for the area. I have worked closely with engineers and design authorities, as well as having brief leadership duties such as organising the team to run a self-audit.
Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to join Thales in the first place
Thales appealed to me because I have always been interested in manufacturing engineering and processes. Being interested in technology and career progression, I joined as I had heard of promising success stories from people at Thales. I never thought I would be doing what I am doing now when I first started. I have been with Thales now for four years and feel that I have progressed so much, both vocationally and academically. Thales has provided me with several training courses, an NVQ3 and I will be starting further education this September. I can also see myself progressing my career further in the near future.
What have been the highlights of your time here so far?
The highlights have been job mobility and education. I was given opportunities to move around the business and really flex my role. I have worked in three departments in the Templecombe site and one of the areas I enjoyed the most was the laboratory. I was then seconded to Glasgow and loved the work so much that I decided to relocate and become part of the Glasgow team. I have also worked in our Reading headquarters for some development work. While in Reading, I worked closely with Thales experts and learnt a wealth of knowledge. Moving has also given me the benefit to gain further education and also to live in a big city.
What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue a career path such as yours?
I would advise other women to not feel intimidated by traditional job roles. It’s 2018 and lots of things are changing in society for the better, and one of them is gender equality. I consider everyone equal and that means that anyone can be what they want, if they feel passionate about it. For me, equality means that anyone can apply for whichever job they want.
In your opinion, how would you sum up the importance of diversity in the workplace?
Diversity is the most important part of the workplace, especially in engineering. Engineering requires problem solving, creative thinking and experience. Without diversity, we would not produce such a variety of working solutions.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thales has been really great for my career and it has also helped me with my confidence. I have enjoyed my four years here so far and I expect to stay for many more because I keep progressing and surprising myself with how much I am able to grow within the company.