Nationwide Platforms fosters female talent with apprenticeship opportunities for women engineers

Abbey-Rose Parkes, who started her Land Based Service Engineer Technician apprenticeship in January this year, shares her experience with the course so far.

The 17 year old was fortunate to be introduced to engineering concepts at a young age thanks to her handyman grandad and electrician dad who involved her in car maintenance throughout her childhood.

“I got to properly try engineering at a GCSE taster session at school, which led me to apply for a college course. I did that for three months, but it was mostly motor vehicle based and I felt it wasn’t challenging enough so I looked into plant machinery.

“That’s how I found Nationwide Platforms, and it’s been an amazing experience so far.”



The course takes three years, with Abbey-Rose spending a month at CITB college in Norfolk, before applying everything she’s learned at the Nationwide Platforms depot in Scunthorpe for nine weeks.

“There’s never a dull moment, and it’s a great way of learning by applying everything to real world situations.  It was a big adjustment at first as this is the first time I’ve lived away from home, but the college has been so supportive.”

When it comes down to encouraging women in engineering, Abbey-Rose credits supportive environments.

“I’m the only girl on the course but everyone is so respectful and supportive. At work I have a dedicated mentor who has been so inspirational, but really everyone on the team has been incredibly helpful, always prepared to spend the time with me if I’m struggling. Both the college and Nationwide Platforms also have advice and support phone lines available should I need them.”

Surrounded by support at both work and home, Abbey-Rose feels prepared for a long career in engineering.

“I’d definitely recommend the scheme to any girls trying to build a career in engineering.”



Charlie Stanley, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms said, “The apprenticeship programmes continue to be an important aspect of the learning and development goals of the business and its commitment to hire both fresh talent and upskill the current workforce. We’re delighted Abbey-Rose has settled into her apprenticeship so well, and feel her experience reflects our ethos that Nationwide Platforms is a place for everyone.

“This year we’re placing a focus on the engineering programmes to address the growing skills gap. With applications accepted until July 2024, we’d encourage any interested candidates to reach out.”

In the next year Nationwide Platforms aims to attract more women to its programmes and expand its uptake of apprentices across the board.

To find out more about apprenticeship schemes with Nationwide Platforms visit: https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb/about-us/careers/apprenticeships