Lucy Houghton: Industrialisation Engineer

Job title:

Industrialisation Engineer at GE Vernova

Location:

Stafford

What inspired you to go into engineering?

My technology teacher at school.

What do you love about your job?

How dynamic and applied it is. There's a good mix of planning and doing and I get to see the impact of the work I do.

How did you get your job?

I got into engineering through a degree apprenticeship with JCB which I applied for through their website. After 8 years with JCB I changed companies last year after seeing a job advert on LinkedIn.

What advice would you give to a young person looking to start a career in your industry?

Be interested to be interesting. Geek out on engineering, notice engineering in every aspect of your life and your passion and inquisition will take you a long way. Always ask why are things the way they are and how could they be better.

Start building practical experience as soon as you can, whether that's DIY at home with your parents, going down to the local mechanics once a week, taking part in robot challenges, whatever you can initially so you have something to talk about at interview and familiarity with how things go together (my experience was building a shed with my dad and also my design and technology projects from school)

Maths and a science are essential to get into engineering, and the more work you put in upfront with GCSEs and a levels the quicker you'll progress in engineering fields. However, if the school system doesn't sit you and you can just about manage a C at GCSEs, there are still options into engineering through level 2 and 3 apprenticeships. If your maths is stronger at school you could do level 4 -6 after A-levels. Those 2 years of A-levels can put you ahead by 5-8 years in industry.

Engineering degrees are good, but engineering degree apprenticeships are better. If you do go down a uni route make sure you look for a degree with year in industry, that'll give you a head start on graduate schemes after you're done.

What do you think will be the most exciting developments in your industry over the next 5-10 years?

I work in the renewable energy sector, specifically on components that minimise the losses of energy in electricity distribution and transmission (yeah I didn't know that was a thing when I was at school either). With the growth in renewables and electrification of the world it's a super exciting time to be in my industry because we are part of the change to end the dependence on fossil fuels for a greener and healthier future for all.

Why would you encourage more girls to pursue a career like yours?

It's a super rewarding and exciting job. I get to work with people from across the globe on something we all care about. I also get to use my brain, as a self confessed nerd, I like the feeling when I know my cogs are turning and I'm always learning. There's some great opportunities (and the pay isn't too be sniffed at either).