INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES /
Lauren McFadzean
THE ROLLS-ROYCE OF
ENGINEERING
L
auren McFadzean started her journey
at the College back in 2009, when
she began an NC in Aircraft Engineering.
After progressing to her HNC in 2011,
one of Lauren’s lecturers made her aware
of an apprenticeship opportunity with
Rolls-Royce. Fast forward three years,
she is now a time-served fitter.
Working in engineering was not Lauren’s first
choice – her farming background initially sparked
an interest in becoming a veterinarian. But
unfortunately she did not quite get the Highers
required. Once she left school after 5th year however,
she knew she was not going to settle for a 9-5 desk
job, and had a life-changing chat with her graphics
communication teacher who told her she’d be an
ideal fit for engineering.
“Now that I’ve finished my
apprenticeship, I’m fully concentrated
on getting really good at my job.”
Lauren said: “It’s all fallen into place and has worked
out great for me. When I was at school, I went on a
week’s work experience with Goodrich [now UTC
Aerospace Systems], then when I came to college I
went back for another week. It was at that time that
Rolls-Royce gave me an interview, and snatched me
up!
“Now that I’ve finished my apprenticeship, I’m fully
concentrated on getting really good at my job.”
At the moment she’s working on the BR710 engine,
which will go into a private plane, and Lauren said
the course she completed at the Ayr campus helped
massively in preparing her for the job.
THE STUDENT VOICE: EDITION 3
“It was so beneficial for my job, because it was telling
me things like how an engine works and where it was
on the plane. I understood how an aircraft took off
and landed. The great thing about the course now is
the cock-pit they have in place. It wasn’t there for my
HNC but my work put me through day release to
obtain my HND and it’s a massive help.”
The workforce in Lauren’s industry is still
predominately male, but she doesn’t feel that should
put any women off.
“Of course I was a bit nervous to start with, knowing
I was the only girl going in. But I loved it, so thanks
Ayrshire College for putting me through it all, and
thanks to all my lecturers.”
If you are interested in a career in Engineering, you
can read more by visiting the news page at
www.ayrshire.ac.uk
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