Lila-Louise Glossop | Case study

Job title: Junior project engineer

Course: Engineering and manufacturing support technician

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

Firstly, I grew up close to my granddad, who’s an engineer. Then at school I was really interested in science, and I wanted a way to turn that into a career.

I applied for a place on an engineering course at university, but I didn’t get the A-level grades I needed. I spent six months out of education and felt stuck. Then I went to an open evening at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre and had my eyes opened to apprenticeships. Shortly after that I was accepted onto this course.

Q. Why did an apprenticeship appeal to you?

Despite not getting into my preferred university, I still had the ambition to study a degree in engineering. This apprenticeship was the first step towards studying for that qualification. And because of the quality of my work, my coach at Wright Engineering has arranged for me to start the next stage — the degree apprenticeship — a year early.

My goal is to be a chartered engineer by the age of 30. To do that you need six years in industry, plus a master’s degree. Because of this apprenticeship I will already have the required experience, so it’s a fast track to chartership.

Q. How is your apprenticeship giving you the skills and knowledge you need for a rewarding career?

Since I started working as a project engineer as part of the apprenticeship, it has become more and more apparent to me that you cannot learn this stuff in a classroom. You have to experience it in the real world. The senior staff at my company didn’t go to university — they got where they are through experience.

That’s what I’m getting on this course. Dealing with unexpected challenges, solving problems, and working with clients across the engineering sector is providing invaluable experience that I wouldn’t have got on a traditional university degree.

It has also given me so much confidence. A few years ago I had bad social anxiety, but speaking to clients and managing projects in this role has helped me so much. I won Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Made in Sheffield awards, and I had to get up onstage to collect it — I couldn’t have done that two years ago.

Q. What is the best part about doing an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre?

I really enjoy learning at the AMRC Training Centre. We get practical experience in all sorts of areas, including automation, CAD, project management, machining and business improvement. It gave me an insight into the different kinds of jobs out there.

Q. What do you do in your job at Wright Engineering?

I support project managers on major projects with clients. For a project at Stansted Airport I’m in charge of noting deliveries. It’s an important role because if shipments aren’t on the system correctly they won’t be allowed into the airport, which would hold up the work.

I also support the project team with the documentation for our biggest ever project. This involves liaising with clients to get important documents like drawings and datasheets approved. I talk to lots of colleagues within the company and outside it, and it’s really brought me out of my shell.

Q. What advice would you give to other people looking to do an apprenticeship?

I don't think apprenticeships get enough publicity in schools. I didn’t really know about them when I was looking for career advice at school. So my advice is to look into it, especially if you want a career in engineering. When you’re looking for jobs later on, employers will be looking for experience.

As someone who didn't get the grades I wanted at school, my other advice would be to remember that there is always another path to achieving your ambitions. I couldn’t be happier that I started this apprenticeship and I now have a clear plan for the future. And my granddad is very proud of me!