Inspiring young women into engineering

When I was growing up, I had a curious mind, annoying everyone around me by frequently asking ‘how?’ and ‘why?’ questions. During my A-levels I, along with 99% of teenagers at this stage in life, was panicking about the next major step in my life. So, I jumped at the chance to apply for an Engineering Apprenticeship at the Met Office, knowing this would give me the opportunity to ask more questions and get answers. Engineering felt like a natural fit for me, allowing me to combine my curiosity with my creativity, and to develop solutions to a huge range of problems.  

When I first joined the Met Office, it wasn’t just the science and technology that impressed me – it was the sense of purpose and collaboration. The work we do directly impacts public safety, aviation, agriculture, and so much more. Eight years into my career with the Met Office, I’m still learning about new projects and applications that we provide. There’s a wide variety of career opportunities with the Met Office, and it’s fascinating to learn how everybody has their own impact on helping us to meet our purpose. It feels like a place where engineers aren’t just cogs in a machine, but influential, respected voices helping to shape the future of the Met Office.      

After a few years at the Met Office, I decided to explore opportunities elsewhere. This was partly for a new challenge, and partly to experience how engineering was done in different organisations. I gained a lot from that time, but I found myself missing the culture and the opportunities that an organisation like the Met Office can offer. When I had the chance to return to engineering with the Met Office, I didn’t hesitate to apply and was successful in rejoining the organisation. My new role in the Radar Hardware Team gave me the opportunity to specialise in Radars, an exciting area of engineering that I had little exposure to before this role.  

My team is responsible for maintaining and improving the UK’s network of 16 weather radars – all developed in-house. These radars are crucial for detecting precipitation, tracking storms, and feeding into the models that create the forecasts we all rely on. My responsibilities include a mix of fault investigation, system upgrades, installation work, and contributing to the development of next-generation radar hardware. Currently, I'm involved in the installation of a brand-new radar, which is a complex but exciting project What I love most about my role is the variety: faults can present themselves in so many ways, even when they stem from similar causes. That means each new issue requires a logical, investigative approach to track down the problem, and resolve it efficiently. It’s proper hands-on engineering, and every week brings something different. 

It's no secret that engineering still has a long way to go in terms of gender balance. But I’ve felt supported throughout my journey – from my early apprenticeship to my current role, and to where my future within the office may lead. The inclusive and collaborative culture at the Met Office means I’ve always been encouraged to develop, speak up, and bring ideas to the table. I’ve noticed an increase in the number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) roles since I first joined the Met Office, and I hope it’s something that continues to rise. It’s been an honour to be able to talk about my career pathway via an apprenticeship, but most importantly to inspire young women who might not be aware that a career in engineering is as accessible for themselves as it is for young men.  

Having spent eight years so far with the Met Office, I feel that I’ve barely scratched the surface of engineering. I’m excited to see what my future with the Met Office may involve, and I’ll continue to try and inspire women across the country that no matter what type of person you are, there will always be an engineering role that suits you.  

This blog was published in June 2025