Connections
In the press
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http:www.guardian.co.ok/
Biography
Rachael Carr
Skill:
Manufacturing Team Challenge Competition Results:
Certification of
Participation
Participation
Date of Birth:
18/02/1988
Home Town:
Poulton-le-Fylde
College:
Blackpool and the Fylde College
Employer:
BAE Systems
Qualifications:
Completed advanced apprenticeship in March 2010.
Higher National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering
National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
BTEC National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
10 GCSE’s
Are you City & Guilds qualified?:
Yes
Competed in:
WorldSkills UK Manufacturing Team Challenge, 2009, Silver medal winner
Rachael is competing for a place in Team UK as part of the BAE Systems team with Sam Andrews and Kai Burkitt.
What made you choose this career?:
I got into engineering after showing a natural interest in maths and science at school. I applied for the BTEC at college, thoroughly enjoyed it and when BAE Systems did a careers evening there it made me very interested in the company. I was lucky enough to receive a place on their apprenticeship scheme in September 2005 and have enjoyed every year since.
How did you hear about competitions? :
I heard about the competition last year and wanted to get involved. The team that I am part of has a very varied knowledge base and we think that we are covered on most areas of Engineering because of this.
We wanted to get involved because it seemed such an amazing competition, something that we would be proud to be a part of. The fact that we could represent our company and country in doing something that we love was also a big factor in the decision.
What are your biggest personal achievements so far?:
Personally, my biggest achievements are working on an un-manned Air Vehicle that was the first to fly within the UK – I was part of the FLAVIIR (Demon Aircraft) Team. Going through the design, build, test and flight of that was something that I will probably never experience again and I was very fortunate to be a part of that team.
Another achievement is to be in the Squad for the MTC Challenge.
Achieving Silver last year in WorldSkills UK was fantastic and we hope to do just as well at WorldSkills – if not better!
What’s your ambition?:
My ambitions are to get my BEng, become a Chartered Engineer within Wind Tunnel Engineering and to become specialised within that field.
Another ambition of mine is to be part of Team UK at WorldSkills London 2011.
What are you hoping for by competing for a place at WorldSkills London 2011? :
I am hoping that as we are going through the selection process and then possibly competing within the competition; that it raises awareness and a higher profile of the competition, not only within our company but also within our area.
I am a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ambassador and also an Education Ambassador for my Company and if I can raise awareness and a high profile of this competition to people within our area, then the profile of the competition should increase and more people will want to get involved.
What do your family and friends think about you competing?:
Because of my involvement within WorldSkills, my family and friends are now much more aware of it as a whole and are proud of me for taking a part in it.
What would you say to other young people considering a vocational career?:
Taking a vocational career is a fantastic opportunity as it gives you the skills and the knowledge not only within your role at work but also with life as well. For instance, with our Company we do volunteer work, charity work and other things like that to help within our community.
Also, the training and education you get is free and it differs from full time education or from other careers, giving you practical experiences, in my case practical engineering experiences. I think that vocational careers are the way forward now as you learn all aspects with your training and the opportunities you are offered are amazing and second to none.
What do you think getting involved in international competitions could do for your career?:
Being involved with international competitions would raise my profile around my company and within industry. Also, going to international competitions means that I can see how other companies work within other countries. It will enhance my experience and may inspire me to possibly work abroad within my field.
Something we didn’t know about you...:
I am also a Volunteer for Lancashire County Council, working with the Elderly and the Disabled. Just helping people with everyday tasks and keeping them company.