To celebrate National Engineering Day, we spoke to Abigail Jones after completing her mechatronics maintenance technician apprenticeship at i2r packaging.

Described as “a trailblazer for young women in engineering”, Abigail completed her End Point Assessment with flying colours gaining distinctions across the board. She now holds the title of junior maintenance engineer.

Based in Hortonwood, Telford, i2r is a global leader in manufacturing smoothwall and wrinklewall aluminium foil containers that are used extensively throughout the food industry. As the largest aluminium tray producer in the Europe, the company produces over 1.2 billion products annually.

They supply many major food producers and retail brands, as well as to wholesaler and distributor markets worldwide, including Central & Northern Europe, Asia, North & South America and Australia.

“When I was in school, I did really well in GCSE electronics and GCSE health and social care.” says Abigail. “I pursued a career in health and social care at sixth form, however lockdown happened and I couldn’t do any exams. I missed doing any form of practical work.

“I hadn’t really looked into apprenticeships, I read somewhere I could earn while I learn doing hands-on technical work. I first applied for an apprenticeship through Telford College, after looking on the government’s apprenticeship site, however the role had closed.

The apprenticeships team at the college supported Abigail and worked with her to help find a new role, including tutoring with maths and English skills.

“The position at i2r became available and I researched the company intensively, I went for my interview and they offered me the job!

“When I first started my apprenticeship, I was in the tool room learning each of the tools I’d be using in the trade. I then moved into the maintenance department for my second year, which fitted the change of modules in my college sessions, such as health and safety, hydraulics, and testing.”

During the apprenticeship Abigail’s been nominated for several awards including, Apprentice of the Year with Lloyds Banking Group, the Rising Star award at the Food Packaging Association annual awards, as well as winning Telford College’s coveted Victor Ludorum award.

“I won the Victor Ludorum award at Telford College; I wasn’t expecting to win anything.

“I want to keep climbing up the ladder at i2r, to go as high as I can. I’d like to become a fully qualified engineer, studying a HNC, and eventually becoming a manager. I like pushing myself into new challenges.”

Tutors said: “During national Women in Engineering Week, Abigail took part in an interview focusing on women who are new to engineering and explained how, at first, she felt intimidated working in a male-dominated environment.

“She has overcome this by building positive relationships and continues to offer advice and guidance to any women wanting to start an engineering and manufacturing career.”

Abigail has clear advice to any student wishing to follow a career in engineering. “Research what type of engineering you’re looking for, as there are so many to choose from. You can have areas such electrical engineering, maintenance and CAD.

“Then see what companies are doing your chosen field. Never be scared to speak to a company, find out what opportunities are available and ask as many questions as you can. It’s the same with apprenticeship providers. Always go along to an open event and ask as many questions that can benefit you.”