Anna’s career set for take- off
Engineering has always been and will remain a mostly masculine affair.
But that’s not to say it cannot be a ladies’ world too.
Indeed, Anna Manson has made the world of aero engineering hers.
The 22- year- old lives in Monkton, a short stroll from Spirit AeroSystems.
She completed her apprenticeship last year to become a fully qualified engineer, just like her dad and uncle.
The big noisy factory is certainly not a place for heels and hairdos.
But Anna has no trouble putting on the boots, protective gloves and ear muffs.
Anna said: “I would say to any young woman who is thinking about an apprenticeship in a male dominated industry to go for it.
“There’s no such thing as jobs for boys and jobs for girls. Apprenticeships are for everyone.
” Most of the time it’s fine having all these men around. Occasionally when the football chat starts I tune out.”
Anna knew she didn’t want to go to university and that an apprenticeship was right for her.
A Modern Apprenticeship meant Anna could build valuable work experience from day one and gain an accredited qualification which is recognised by industry.
She has now worked on Airbus and Boeing crafts.
She said: “I wanted the hands- on experience. I learn better that way compared to sitting reading a book.
“It was the structure of the apprenticeship that really appealed to me - the chance to work, learn and earn all the same time. An apprenticeship eases you into being into the world of work.”
She attended Ayrshire College dur ing her traineeship, which spanned anything from drilling to assembling.
Anna added: “My mum was happy, but a bit apprehensive initially about the thought of me working with mostly men but it’s been great.”
In five years’ time she aims to be progressing her career further in engineering, with the goal of travelling to different countries as part of the Spirit AeroSystems team.
* T h e S c o t t i s h Apprenticeship Show is on at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow on September 3- 5.