The Cornwall Manufacturers Group (CMG) have published a great new document aimed at inspiring young people who might be interested in a career in science and engineering.
Two of our staff, Bryony Irving and Paul Miles were chosen as case studies along side other examples from various industries in the South West.
This is what they said:
Sporting attitude wins manufacturing career.
After leaving school with a host of GCSE’s, Bryony followed her passion for sport and studied a Sport & Leisure course.
Recognising it didn’t offer the career opportunities she was hoping for, a period of retail management followed before she spotted an opportunity with Composite Integration to assist in their stores and workshops.
“I previously had never seen myself fulfilling a role such as this, but I knew I had to get out of retail and find a real career that offered me growth opportunities and good financial benefits. I’ve been here for two years now and can’t see myself going anywhere else.”
Progressing from stores, overseeing stock management, logistics, customer orders and multi-operations, to more recently production management, Bryony has been supported by Composite Integration with numerous ‘earn whilst you learn’ training courses including business and leadership focused mentoring.
This has given her the skills base and confidence to cover a management role during a colleague’s maternity leave.
“I know people underestimated my potential within a male dominated sector. However, I hope my career path shows other girls that its aptitude
and attitude that takes you places.
Engineering is multi-faceted and I believe our gender thrives in this sector.
I know I have.”
Bright Spark Lights Up Electrical Engineering Opportunities
Volunteering at an engineering firm launched Paul into the world of electrics.
A BTEC level 3 in engineering at Cornwall College secured him an apprenticeship at Composite Integration and he now plays a key role as an electrical engineer in an organisation that is a world expert in composite manufacturing.
“From a site in Saltash we export 70% of our products all over the world and my work plays a crucial part in this, which I’m very proud to be part of.
There are so many routes into engineering. My advice is to take up a general apprenticeship, discover and explore which route of engineering you want to take and then ask your employers if they’ll support you in the specific direction you want to take.
I did – I discussed my preference to focus on the electrical side and they couldn’t have been more supportive.
I now have the career and salary I want, in a firm that has invested in me and in return I am investing my skills back into their business which is recognised for being the market leader in their field.
It doesn’t get better than that.”
