Could Engineering be your future?
Year 10 have been fortunate enough to not only talk to an ex PGHS student but a Trainee Engineer called Jess. Jess was an ex pupil here at PGHS and held the role of Deputy Head Girl. She left PGHS in 2018. You may recognise her from this photo.
Since leaving PGHS, Jess went on to study BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at Runshaw College. She then decided she wanted to be an apprentice within a company. Jess spoke about her application process and about how resilience is key when you don’t always get what you want first time. On her fourth application she secured a placed with Cadent Gas on their ETP scheme (Engineer Training Programme). Cadent own, operate, maintain, repair and develop the gas distribution pipe network in the majority of England. It is the UK’s largest gas distribution company, owning 4 of the 8 networks. Since joining Cadent she has participated in training, fundraising and site visits. She has also made many new friends.
Jess will be part of this training programme for 2 years and is on a starting salary of £23,500. She also has many benefits like a company car, fuel allowance, food and accommodation allowance if she attends any training around the country.
Jess said “I really enjoyed the session with everyone talking about engineering and my time with Cadent Gas so far on the Engineering Training Programme. I’ve always wanted to come back to school and speak with the pupils. I loved talking to everyone and answering all their questions. My advice would be to work hard, always ask your teachers or parents for help and never give up. Finally, make sure you are fully involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – STEM….IT IS THE FUTURE!”
What the students said:
I gained a lot of new information about STEM and all the possible future careers it holds. I also found out what subjects you should be taking in college and how to achieve your goals.
It gave me an understanding on what I should look for when looking for a job and to make sure I am taking the right subject for those jobs.
I learnt a lot about the importance of work experience and I now know more about what to expect from higher education.
It has definitely given me more career paths to consider.
I found it really interesting and also knowing that she went to Penwortham Girls’ High, it showed me that anything is possible.
I learnt more about apprenticeships and BTECs and how to help make my CV stand out more.
Everything; it was amazing, engaging and captivating 🙂 I loved it so much and I’m so glad we had this really good opportunity so thank you – it really helped me!
It made me want to explore engineering more.
I’m now considering doing BTECs instead of A levels.
It allowed me to think thoroughly through my decisions when making career choices. Not all engineering is physical work.
If you are interested in anything to do with engineering please speak to your science teacher.
Mrs Honeyman
Curriculum Leader for Science
