We are grateful to a former Year 13 pupil for sharing their career journey since leaving John Taylor at the end of the last academic year. Their insight shows how strong partnerships with external companies across industries enrich our curriculum and have a positive impact on our students. This testimony is a fantastic example of how industry experts and guest speakers provide real world relevance, inspire career exploration and support our students’ future.
” I never thought I would end up working as an engineering apprentice, using advanced machines and helping to make parts for the aerospace industry. But looking back, a big part of my journey started with one school visit.
People from HORIBA MIRA came into our school to talk to us about engineering and the work they do at their test facilities. At first, I thought it would just be another normal school talk, but it turned out to be something that really interested me.
They explained how engineers test vehicles and different types of technology to make sure they are safe, reliable and perform as well as possible. What interested me most was hearing about the testing connected to Formula 1 cars. I had seen F1 on TV before, but I had never really thought about how much engineering, testing and precision goes on behind the scenes.
That visit made me look at engineering differently. It showed me that engineering wasn’t just about what we learned in the classroom. It could lead to working on exciting, real-world projects.
Later, when I had the opportunity to apply for an engineering apprenticeship, I remembered that school visit. During my interview, I spoke about HORIBA MIRA and how hearing about their work had made me more interested in engineering. I think showing that genuine interest really helped me.
Now, as an apprentice, I get to work with engineering equipment myself. One of my main jobs is running and operating CMMs. These machines are used to accurately measure parts and make sure they have been manufactured to the correct size and standard.
I also work with other machinery used to make engineering components, including turbine blades. Some of the parts we work with are used in the aerospace industry, including aircrafts such as the Gulf Stream G700.
It’s amazing to think that I went from sitting in a classroom listening to engineers talk about precision and testing to now doing that kind of work myself.
I’m still learning every day, but I’m gaining skills and experience that I can use throughout my career.
I’m very thankful to the ICT teaching team for arranging the HORIBA MIRA visit and showing us how the things we learn at school can connect to real career.”
Here is a link to the talk that our former Y13 Student attended and was inspired by: Event: Horiba Mira bring learning to life – John Taylor High School
