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PCE welcomes first female engineering apprentice

By March 12, 2018January 26th, 2021Member News & Updates, STEMM

Premier Communications Electronics (PCE) has welcomed their first female installation engineer apprentice in the company’s 42-year history.

Libby Daymond, age 17, is currently studying a NVQ Level 2-3 Electrical Engineering and Maintenance course at South Devon College. Libby spends one day at week at college and the rest of her working week getting hands-on experience at PCE, supporting the team of engineers with installation projects for the blue and amber light sectors.

“My favourite subjects at school were maths and physics so when I saw the role at PCE advertised I thought it was too good to be true. I love how broad the role is; one minute I’m learning how to destall a tracking device and the next heading out to a fault call for the emergency services. I never wanted to work behind a desk, so this is perfect for me”.

PCE is committed to investing in local young people and provide career opportunities in engineering. PCE started providing training and support for apprentices 15 years ago but this is the first time a female has applied for the position.

Karen Langley, PCEs Chief Executive is thrilled to have a female apprentice on the team. She hopes to encourage more female engineers to apply in the future and is keen to address the gender imbalance in the industry:

“I completely understand the pressures and concerns of females entering this industry and I really want to break the stereotypes. With just 11%* of the engineering workforce being female, I want to show Libby and other budding female engineers that tech can be an exciting, purposeful and even welcoming industry for women”.

Since starting at PCE, Libby wants to learn as much as possible and has high aspirations for her career:

“I’ve been welcomed into the team and have had nothing but encouragement from my colleagues. I’m excited to stay with PCE to gain knowledge and experience in different job roles. In the long-term, I’d like to travel with my job, and possibly work for Formula One. My role model is Sunita Williams, a flight engineer. She is an inspiration; fearless, determined and shows the sky’s the limit!”