Engineering – Skye
T Level in Engineering
T Level Engineering student, Skye McMahon, found inspiration for her future career thanks to the Discover Teesside: Women in Engineering Residential.
Skye, now in her second year of the Mechatronics Engineering T-Level at Rotherham College, has already passed her core exams and is excited about what lies ahead. Over the summer, she took part in the Discover Teesside: Women in Engineering Residential, an immersive three-day event designed to give female STEM students a real taste of university life and explore the possibilities within the world of engineering.
The residential, held at Teesside University in July, offered students the opportunity to see how engineers use science and mathematics to improve quality of life. Skye participated in a range of hands-on activities and explored different areas of engineering, from design and manufacturing to sustainability and innovation.
Skye said the residential gave her a much clearer idea of her future goals. The trip also allowed Skye to meet other young women with similar interests, and she’s even stayed in touch with them through a group chat set up after the event.
All travel and accommodation expenses were fully covered, making it a fantastic opportunity for students to learn and connect without financial barriers. Skye said the residential added real value to her studies and gave her a new sense of confidence about continuing her education. After completing her T Level, she now plans to progress to university to study engineering.
We caught up with Skye to ask her about her experience at college and her plans for the future.
What has your experience been like studying at Rotherham College?
Even though it is a very male dominated course and I’m the only girl in my class, I really enjoy it. It’s very exciting and lots of fun. It was a bit daunting at first but my classmates are really nice, and people are usually quite impressed that I’m a girl taking engineering. There’s lots of practical elements but I really like the theory side of the course.
What have you enjoyed most about your time here?
I like all the trips we go on. It’s cool to see the places I could potentially be working in a few years.
Skye“It’s hard [to pursue a career in STEM] but it’s worth it, and even though it’s a male dominated field it doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. In fact it means you should do it more.”
Tell me about the Teesside residential, how has it benefitted you?
It was a great experience. We talked through how to apply to universities, which is good because I was confused by the process before. We got to see all the facilities that they use, and it was nice to meet other female students who were interested in the same things as me. I’m still in touch with a couple of them.
What was it like experiencing uni life?
It was great and the whole experience really prepared me for what’s to come. I definitely want to go to university now.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Hopefully, a successful aerospace engineer or a mechanical engineer.
What advice would you give to other girls wanting to pursue a career in STEM?
Just do it. It’s hard but it’s worth it, and even though it’s a male dominated field it doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. In fact it means you should do it more.
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