Natalie
“My name is Natalie Khangura and I’m 21 years old. I joined Bradbury as an engineering apprentice in October 2014, and I now work in the research and development department.
I have always had a passion for engineering. When I was at school, my dad worked for the Steelworks in Scunthorpe, and I would always ask what he had been doing during his day at work. It consisted of activities such as welding, fabricating, and fixing machines, which really interested me.
When I finished school, I did work experience over the Summer with my dad’s friend who is self-employed in the engineering sector. I took away skills in welding, oxy-fuel gas cutting, lathe turning and general workshop activities.
I then went on to do a course in welding and fabrication at North Lindsey College. Once I completed my studies, I applied for an engineering apprenticeship at Bradbury, and was fortunate enough to be enrolled onto the Bradbury Engineering Academy scheme.
After the initial stage of my apprenticeship, I decided to go into the R&D specials team as an apprentice prototype engineer. I am now two years into my apprenticeship, and have almost completed my Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, and NVQ Level 3 for Engineering Technicians.
My responsibilities as a prototype engineer for the Bradbury Group include assessing project proposals to later be fabricated, and researching and developing current products and prototypes for improvement. I experience both a practical and theoretical role, which suits me well.
The best thing about my job is that I am always busy, and I am taking part in work that I enjoy doing. The work environment is great as everyone is very friendly and funny, which helps to make it more enjoyable, too! It makes me proud to know that six years ago I set myself a goal to be working within a thriving engineering environment, and I worked hard to get to where I am today.
For anyone who is thinking of joining an engineering environment, go for it and do not let anything hold you back! Engineering gives you so many different opportunities; you could specialise in electrical, mechanical, aeronautical, theoretical or practical engineering, and there are many more options. Even if you pick one and decide it’s not for you, you will always have opportunity to join a different sector.
I wish I’d known that it’s not as daunting as you would imagine it to be, as a female in engineering; once you take the plunge of getting yourself out there into the environment, you will be kicking yourself for not doing it sooner! I’d be more than willing to encourage girls into the world of engineering; if you’d like some advice, you can contact me via natalie.khangura@bradbury-group.com.
I am very fortunate to have started my engineering career with such a successful company, and feel that I will continue to have a strong career with the Bradbury team.”
