Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, 25
Job title - Associate project engineer
Employer - Reliance Precision Limited, Huddersfield
Course - Level 6 manufacturing technology

Q. What or who inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
My granddad, who owned an engineering company, really got me into engineering from a young age. He was always giving me engineering problems when I was in college. Then, he encouraged me to do my level three and level four qualifications through Reliance, which I did at Kirklees College in Huddersfield before starting level six at the AMRC Training Centre.

Q. What made an apprenticeship the right choice for you?
I did A-levels in physics, chemistry and maths, and then applied to a few universities. But I soon realised I preferred a more hands-on approach to learning. The idea of solely classroom-based study didn't really appeal to me. So, when I found the opportunity to do an apprenticeship, it just felt like the right fit and the rest is history. 
Being able to actually learn the trade, learning how to operate various machines during my first year at Reliance – this immersive, practical experience was incredibly valuable to me. 

Q. In what ways (eg. skills and knowledge) do you believe your apprenticeship is equipping you for a successful career?
My apprenticeship has been fantastic for learning how to build professional relationships. In a working environment, you need to build lasting relationships with customers and suppliers. Doing the apprenticeship has really exposed me to that side of things and helped a lot.
I've also gained a unique and deep understanding of the practicalities of engineering. By starting on the shop floor and progressively working my way up, I think I've developed a strong sense of what's truly achievable in manufacturing. 
For example, I've learned firsthand what designs are genuinely manufacturable, which is incredibly useful. My apprenticeship has really grounded me in the practical demands and industry standards, giving me a very solid foundation.

Q. What did you enjoy most about your apprenticeship experience at the AMRC Training Centre?
The practical, lab-based side of my apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre was incredibly enjoyable. You get to do stuff you wouldn't necessarily do unless your company specialises in it. For instance, my company focuses on precision machining, but the apprenticeship was more focused on materials. This meant we got to experience things like glass pouring, casting labs and robotics labs, which were all new and fascinating for me. 
This exposure definitely expanded my knowledge beyond what I'd normally encounter. A lot of the focus on materials science has actually proven really useful in my current job, and I'm actively using that knowledge now. The variety and hands-on nature of the apprenticeship was excellent and simply just very enjoyable.

Q. Can you describe your current job role and work with your employer? Are there any projects you're particularly proud of or currently involved in, and what impact do they have?
Because I already worked with Reliance and completed my Level 3 and 4 apprenticeship before joining the AMRC Training Centre, I had a pretty solid, well-rounded job role. I was expected to maintain a consistent quality of work throughout my time there, so my job role hasn't really changed much.
At present, my current focus is to manage our second-highest business priority: a stepper motor gearbox project for the NeoSAT satellite for Airbus Defence and Space. I’ve helped develop a number of key processes within this project to aid in improving lead times and reduce risk to the product. This also involves communicating with customers, making sure schedules are running and dealing with any problems.
The space sector has a lot of stringent specifications and requirements that can be quite challenging to meet, making it a very complicated industry. So yeah, my day-to-day is really about helping ensure quality products are delivered to our defense customers.
I think working on a satellite for space is reason enough to be proud. Being able to say I work on stuff that goes into space, and that I've worked on something currently flying in space – I'd say, that's pretty amazing!
Another significant piece of work, used for my dissertation at the AMRC Training Centre Sheffield, involved hirth couplings for a key defense customer. This project allows for fins to be attached to the body of a missile on the front line. My work expanded my employer's knowledge on key manufacturing processes for these components, creating a more robust product, which will help remove risk to the missiles during transport.
Beyond that, a lot of what we do at Reliance also involves work for medical and life sciences. We've worked on things that helped in the COVID-19 pandemic, and some of our life science projects also help with cancer testing. So, it's really nice to think that I'm contributing to something that's helping people, making a positive difference in their lives.

Q. What tips/advice would you offer to others considering an apprenticeship
Just go for it. What's the worst that can happen? 
My advice is to explore all your options. If you're someone who doesn't really like sitting still and thrives in a hands-on learning environment, then an apprenticeship is definitely worth considering. 
I remember weighing my options, and I applied for various routes. Reliance took a chance on me, and it's certainly paid off. I've learned an immense amount, and there aren't many people my age who can say they're working on the kinds of things I am. Working on bits for space, for satellites – who at 25 years old can say they're doing that? Not many.