As an Aircraft Technician with the Royal Air Force, I have had some amazing opportunities to grow my technical abilities and critical thinking, and take part in a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences . Knowing I can hold my own against my peers, proving every day that gender has no bearing on engineering ability, is so rewarding.
Engineering is a career choice I did not make until my late twenties; having been discouraged from engineering throughout my teenage years, it took me a long time to convince myself that I was capable of pursuing a career as an engineer. Once I learned to separate myself from the assumptions of others and analyse my skills and strengths for myself, it became clear that engineering was the right career path for me.
I really enjoy the challenges presented by engineering in different environments and love that the job engages my brain in so many different ways whilst providing tons of hands-on experience. Alongside active deployment abroad, I have helped with flood relief in the UK and been skydiving in Cyprus. The opportunities are endless and I have only just scratched the surface of my potential in this field.
Meeting and working with other female engineers has been so inspiring and although there are not currently as many female engineers in the field as I'd like, I look forward to that changing in the future.
I am currently based at RAF Odiham on 27 Squadron, I love that the scope of what a Chinook can do is so broad; you never know what tasking you will be supporting next but you know that when we get the job done, the outcome will be really rewarding. I am so grateful that I am able to be a part of supporting that capability and get the opportunity to maintain such a unique air frame.
