+44 (0)151 548 9000 
From a young age, Amy was captivated by how things work. “I’ve always enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together,” she shares. “Problem-solving and being hands-on just came naturally, and engineering combines all of that with creativity and innovation.” Her passion led her to pursue a career in mechanical engineering – a field she finds both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Amy’s apprenticeship at JJ Smith offers the perfect balance of practical experience and technical learning. She spends her days maintaining equipment, diagnosing faults, and working closely with experienced engineers. “Every day is different,” she says. “That’s what keeps it exciting and helps me grow my skills."
Among her proudest achievements so far is the design and fabrication of a custom tool that significantly improved efficiency and prevented equipment damage – a project that not only saved time and cost but demonstrated her initiative and problem-solving mindset. She also recently earned her forklift license, adding to her growing list of qualifications.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Navigating a traditionally male-dominated field, Amy has sometimes felt underestimated. “At times, I’ve had to work a bit harder to prove my capabilities,” she admits, “but I try not to let it hold me back.” Her resilience and determination speak volumes – and she’s now using her experience to encourage other young women to consider a career in engineering.
Her advice? “Go for it. Don’t let stereotypes or self-doubt get in your way. Engineering needs diverse voices. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you grow.”
What Amy enjoys most about her role is the variety and continuous learning. “There’s always a new challenge, a new tool, a new system to get to grips with. And working as part of a team to solve real-world problems is incredibly satisfying.”
Looking ahead, Amy has big plans. She’s on track to complete her apprenticeship and qualify as an engineer, with aspirations to step into leadership, mentor others, and advocate for greater inclusion in the industry.
“Amy represents exactly what the future of our industry looks like – skilled, passionate, and unafraid to challenge the norm. We’re incredibly proud of the contribution she makes every day” states Rachael Baker, Managing Director of JJ Smith.
We’re proud to have Amy on our team – not just for her engineering talent, but for the inspiration she provides to others following in her footsteps. Today, and every day, we celebrate her achievements and her role in shaping a more inclusive future for engineering.
