Project Engineer Sarah Thompson joined the company in September 2020 and her new-found skills and experience are setting her up for a career in maintenance and project engineering. Find out more about her journey...
What was your first role in British Steel and what's been your journey since?
I started my career as an engineer at Teesside University, completing a First-Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering.
I first began my journey at British Steel 19 months ago, contracting as a project engineer working with the hydraulic roll clamps, which involved finding different methods to read the internal pressure and ways to improve their overall performance.
In conjunction with my project, I got involved in other areas around the mill, working alongside maintenance engineers and gaining an understanding into their everyday tasks. Using my problem-solving skills from university, I was able to help improve areas around the mill and gain valuable hands-on experience.
These skills and experience have allowed me to grow as an engineer and start to build a career in maintenance and project engineering disciplines.
What does your day-to-day role involve?
My day-to-day role involves working with people in various roles, gaining valuable skills and experience. I have been extremely busy working with all kinds of people from all walks of life, learning different skills and knowledge, which I will keep for life. My day-to-day role will see me working with fitters and engineers, from learning hands-on and problem-solving skills, to liaising with companies all over the UK, growing confidence in communication.
Why do you enjoy working for British Steel?
I enjoy working here as the company has allowed me to grow as an engineer and gain experience in all different fields. My experience so far has been fantastic and the people here have been more than helpful. I have been able to achieve a vast amount of knowledge and transferable skills that will no doubt help benefit me in my career.
What advice would you give to other people considering a career at British Steel?
My advice would be go for it! There are many situations, coming from a university background and having a lack of heavy industry experience, I faced which felt daunting at first, but the people here are, and have been, fantastic!
If I’ve ever felt in doubt, no question has been unanswered and everyone has been extremely helpful. I felt welcomed right from the start and people's support and trust in me has been amazing. The atmosphere when working in the office or on site has been overwhelming and I’ve been made to feel like part of the family from the beginning.
Which women in business inspire you and why?
Any woman who can go into a male-dominated work environment and not be phased is an inspiration to a young girl wanting to be an engineer.