‘Engineering opened up a whole new world for me’
SOPHIE CaffrEy aims to become a chartered engineer — and is encouraging more girls into the profession along the way.
The 20-year-old works as a technical apprentice in the applied research department at Leonardo, an engineering company that specialises in aerospace and defence technology.
She is also a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ambassador and the apprentice STEM representative at the firm’s Luton site.
Sophie is among six finalists in the running for this year’s Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) young Woman Engineer of the year awards.
Its ceremony in December will showcase outstanding young women working in engineering, hoping to change the perception that it is predominantly for men.
Sophie says: ‘I didn’t study subjects related to engineering at school, and assumed I’d study something like nursing or paramedic science.
‘Engineering only became an option for me after I attended an apprentice open day at Leonardo.
‘While I was there, I spoke to engineers — and it left me with the feeling that I definitely wanted to know more.
‘I have always had a thirst for learning, and engineering opened up a whole new world.’
Since beginning her apprenticeship in 2015, Sophie has mainly worked in hardware engineering, designing and developing schematics and printed circuit boards. ‘My work involves a lot of teamwork, although I am given the independence to tackle a problem in the way that I think works best, allowing me to think for myself and learn from my own mistakes,’ she says.
‘I also get involved in a lot of STEM events. One I particularly enjoy supporting is Girls Into Engineering, a residential course where we teach 50 girls aged 13 to 14 years old how to solder, code and complete mechanical tasks as part of a “design and make” project through The Smallpeice Trust.
‘I think one of the most important things we need to do in schools, and in society in general, is to encourage girls to experiment with engineering from a young age.
‘They need to be helped to realise that just because they haven’t done something before, doesn’t mean they can’t be good at it.
‘Skills are always transferable, and a creative girl has the potential to make a great engineer.’
Jo foster, diversity and inclusion manager at the IET, says: ‘One of the difficulties in attracting women into engineering is the perception that engineering as a career is masculine, dirty and unglamorous.
‘The reality is very different. Engineering is an exciting and highly paid career.’