"Young females shouldn't be put off by the male orientated environment".

Hollie Jenkins of Bloodhound SSC tells O2i what a role in engineering is really like...

Name : Hollie Jenkins

Age : 23

Qualifications :

GCSE Grade A-C

PTLLS

ECDL

ECDL Advance

Level 3 NVQ Electronic Maintenance

Role/Title at Bloodhound SSC : Electronics Technician

What's a typical day like?

One of my main roles on this project has been to measure, make and place various wiring looms throughout the car, primarily in Andy Green's cockpit, along with sensors on the front and rear uprights. During a normal day in the office I turn up to work (on time!) and the very first thing I always do is make my morning coffee, as I cannot function without it. We all then attend a meeting, which keeps us updated with different parts of the project and to understand what is it everyone else in the workplace is responsible for on that particular day.

Why did you choose engineering?

I knew I had to go into a job role where it would be more hands on than sitting in front of a computer. I was always ok with exams however, I knew that I was not in the right frame of mind to start A levels at the age of 16. I didn’t particularly love school but I loved sport and along with that I knew I needed to get a good trade for the future - I joined the Army as an Electronics Technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). 

"Once the military had accepted me for an apprenticeship, I had to work extremely hard to complete it within the 2 year time frame. But I had the massive incentive of ultimately doing something I enjoy alongside being paid. Seven years on I am now a fully qualified class 1 supervisor at the age of just 23".

It is so important to get good qualifications alongside having hands-on experience - it enables you to figure out what part of engineering you enjoy, whether that may be electrical, mechanical or aeronautical. I am a strong believer that until you actually try something you will never know where your strengths and weaknesses lie and, most importantly, what you enjoy most. 

"Enjoying your job makes it so much easier".

For any young person thinking of engineering as a career possibility, make sure you research all different kinds of engineering job roles. There are too many to list because engineering is such a diverse subject. Secondly, try a few of them out, volunteer on evenings or weekends - not only will it open up your eyes to a working environment but also people in the profession can give you good advice and a lot of the time it helps if you know people in the trade. Thirdly, the advice I give young females is don’t be put off by the male orientated environment. Anyone who puts their mind to anything can achieve things in time, if you are willing to put in the hard work and effort. Don’t let anyone in life tell you you’re not capable because I believe anyone is, if they truly try".

"Don’t let anyone in life tell you you’re not capable because I believe anyone is, if they truly try".