Engineering with distinction

Chloe Reeves admits she found the move from an all girls’ school to a male-dominated engineering training centre “quite daunting”.

But within a couple of days she felt reassured by both tutors and fellow students – and she has never looked back.

During her four years at South West Durham Training, Chloe secured her Level 2 in Fabrication and Welding, a double distinction in her Level 3 Diploma in Manufacturing and a distinction in her Level 4 HNC in Manufacturing.

Now 21, she is taking a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at Teesside University, having secured her first full time position as a Trainee Technical Projects Engineer at CA Group in Bishop Auckland after leaving SWDT last summer.

Chloe, of Darlington, who was previously an apprentice at Mech-Tool Engineering, said: “Since changing company and taking on a new job, I feel I have gained in confidence and learned a wide range of knowledge in a different field. I am progressing with my degree and continue to strive and succeed for the highest grades.

“I hope to climb the ladder within CA Group, starting with progressing from a trainee technical projects engineer to a technical projects engineer. This will allow me to have more responsibility and gain experience within my role. I am also aiming for a First Class BEng Hons and potentially progressing on to a Masters Degree.”

Recalling her time at SWDT after leaving St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy in Sunderland, Chloe added: “From leaving an all girls school, I then went to SWDT, which was predominantly all male; this was quite daunting and out of my comfort zone.

“But within the first couple of days at SWDT I was reassured by the tutors and students. SWDT supported me and helped me grow in the four years I was there and tutors allowed me to take part in fantastic experiences such as Formula One in Schools.

“From SWDT, I gained the qualifications and knowledge I needed to progress into my new role at CA Group. I would recommend SWDT to anyone looking to go into a career in engineering.

“Engineering is a fantastic career to go into. Choosing SWDT will allow you to gain all the knowledge from both a hands-on and theoretical experience. You will also receive the support and guidance from everyone there, giving you the tools to build a successful career.”

“I would recommend South West Durham Training to anyone looking to go into a career in engineering.”