STUDENT VOICE | Page 7

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 7