Engineering student Kirsty Kennedy is preparing for her future career in an exciting and expanding sector within the industry.

Kirsty’s love of engineering began in Year 9, where she took the subject as a GCSE option at Idsall School, Shifnal.

“I realised I enjoyed engineering and found it was something I excelled in” says Kirsty. “I decided I wanted to pursue a career in the field and chose the programme here after reading about it in the college prospectus.”

“I really enjoy the practical assessments in my engineering programme and the data we gathered from them. We previously disassembled, inspected and reassembled a training rig in a practical session.”

“I like all the lecturers on my programme; I think they’ve all been very helpful and supportive with my studies, especially with the challenges I’ve faced in my final year.”

Kirsty has completed a pre-apprenticeship programme to get ready for her future. “The programme involved researching health and safety legislation as well as working with lathes and milling machines.”

As well as her studies, Kirsty also helps out with the student council, holding the position of environmental, health and safety officer. “I want to help the college be more sustainable and get students to think about looking after the environment. It’s important to see how we’re recycling our waste and that our disposable items such as utensils are recyclable.”

“I recently helped out with the college’s ‘Pudding Thursday’ event in the canteen, where myself and some other members of the student council got to choose, make and serve students the desserts we thought they’d like. We sold out after an hour, and I think everybody enjoyed it.”

When Kirsty leaves us at Telford College, she will be starting a level 6 apprenticeship with the NHS in clinical engineering. “I’m really excited to work in a new type of engineering. It involves a lot of maintenance and electrical engineering to improve the lives of patients, which are fantastic skills to have in any level of engineering.”

Chris Bott, engineering lecturer at Telford College, said: “Kirsty is a very amiable and diligent student, she is willing to persevere, carry out independent research and puts time into her study and reports out of normal class hours.”

“As with a lot of students, Kirsty has had her struggles in college, however she has sought help & support and, despite the challenges, has succeeded with her studies through hard work and commitment.”

“Kirsty has succeeded in obtaining a highly competitive apprenticeship place with such a prestigious organisation, that will hopefully lead to a full-time position.”

Inspired by Kirsty’s story and progression? Have a look at our engineering programmes or visit us on our next open event.