Krishma joins us to discuss her journey for International Women in Engineering Day: 23 June 2023
Congratulations Krishma! Since we last spoke to you, in October 2022 you completed of your Civil Engineering Apprenticeship and graduated with first class honours. Reflecting on your apprenticeship what would you advise other women about to start their apprenticeship and career in engineering?
Today’s engineers are responsible for creating pioneering technologies that are helping to solve the world’s toughest problems.
It’s important for women to not feel intimidated by such roles and responsibilities, but instead feel confident and empowered by the prospect of an engineering career. Start your career with something you’re passionate about, and don’t be intimated by the job roles in construction. If you have the right mindset and the skills, you can do anything.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and seek support where needed, this is journey of learning and experiencing – so make sure to enjoy every moment of it.
You don’t need to change who you are or how you behave to be an engineer. Make your career your passion!
What or who was your inspiration to follow an apprenticeship into Engineering?
From school I always had a passion in graphics and design, what fascinated me was the concepts and ideas behind some of the biggest structural monuments around the world. My imagination and curiosity is what led me into a career into engineering, to be able to witness my contributions to design and ideas is what encouraged me to pursue something I love.
Following on from completing the apprenticeship how would you like to progress in your career?
I see myself progressing into an associate position within the next 5 years, within the consultancy side of the construction business.
Providing innovative solutions to clients on how to maximise efficiency and productivity within their projects and provide a purpose with the service they are intending to offer to the society.
How could apprenticeships in Engineering be better available to women looking for a career in that sector?
By changing perceptions and giving a reason to encourage women to see beyond the hard hats and overalls. With each year the construction industry is changing with new technologies to the way people understand and perceive different ideas and concepts. A career in STEM can now encompass a range of different skill sets and extensive opportunities – but in essence engineering is still ultimately about having the ability to build up whatever you dream up. It is a profession focused on progress, breakthroughs, and curiosity.
What was the valuable skill you gained during the apprenticeship?
The most valuable skill I gained throughout my apprenticeship was the technical exposure to the working world and how this was then applied to real life working scenarios.
Want to find out more?
Find out more about our higher and degree apprenticeships and explore all our engineering higher and degree apprenticeship courses on offer with us including:
Aerospace Engineer – Architecture – Building Services Design Engineer – Chartered Building Surveyor – Chartered Quantity Surveyor – Chartered Town Planner – Civil Engineer – Construction Site Management – Environmental Practitioner – Manufacturing Engineer – Systems Engineering
