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#INWED23
Meet Kayleigh.
“Here at West Cumberland, it’s the most females I’ve seen in a workshop.”
This #INWED2023 we’re shining a spotlight on some of the inspirational females working for us at the Shepley Group, helping us to build a legacy of excellence. Meet Kayleigh Watson, Apprentice Welder at West Cumberland Engineering. Learn more about what drove her to engineering and her advice to other females who are looking at it as a potential career option.
What does your apprenticeship involve?
It involves being hands on in the workplace welding in the workshop, learning the theory side of welding and visiting college to learn more about different types of welding. There is a lot more theory than people may think!
What is it like being an apprentice?
It’s good, I’m learning something that I never thought I would be learning. Getting the workshop experience and earning a bit of cash as well, it’s nice! I get a lot of support, because obviously being a female in this industry can be quite hard. You’re surrounded by a lot of males, and I don’t think a lot of people expect you to be in this type of industry. Here at West Cumberland Engineering, it has the most females I’ve seen in a workshop.
What does a normal day at work look like?
When I am in the workplace, it is basically welding training and complete pipe welding, plate welding. When I’m not in the office I’m in college doing my theory work. I was expecting more theory, but I like being in the workshop and getting good hands-on experience.
What would you say to girls in school who may be considering engineering as a career choice?