Anna, who completed an engineering apprenticeship with Spirit AeroSystems, featured in the College’s #WhatIActuallyDo campaign last year and continues to champion the apprenticeship route.
#WhatIActuallyDo was a digital campaign delivered by the College that featured four female apprentices walking viewers through a typical working day. The campaign aimed to encourage more women to consider a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Anna also featured as a case study for the Daily Record and Skills Development Scotland during Modern Apprenticeship Week 2017.
Since the completion of her apprenticeship, Anna has become a full-time employee of Spirit AeroSystems as an approved operator within Airbus Trailing Edge assembly. Anna completed an HNC in Aeronautical Engineering as part of her apprenticeship, and attained an HND in the same subject this year.
Anna previously picked up the ‘Making a Difference in the Community’ award at Ayrshire College’s graduation ceremony in 2016.
Only one student per campus is recognised with this award each year, and Anna won as a result of her positive approach to the apprenticeship programme, the work she does in promoting apprenticeships, and her appetite for learning.
Anna has previously said about her apprenticeship “When I left school I knew I didn’t want to go onto university and that I wanted to do an apprenticeship. I left school in sixth year and applied for a couple of apprenticeship programmes. I also applied for a college course as a back-up.
“I wanted the hands-on experience. I learn better that way compared to reading through a book. The prospect of a job at the end of it also attracted me.”
Stuart Millar, Director of Education Contracts and Business Development at Ayrshire College, said “We are delighted, but not surprised, that Anna has been recognised as one of the biggest ambassadors of the Modern Apprenticeship programme in Scotland.
“Throughout her time at Ayrshire College, Anna was always keen to share her experiences as a female apprentice in the engineering industry, as part of our strategy to tackle the gender gap that exists in STEM.”
Links
Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2017 – view all the finalists