Case Study
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
Megan’s life in the fast lane
Watching Formula 1 from a young age inspired Megan
Soilleux-Cardwell to pursue a career in the industry.
Megan is currently the only female apprentice at Mercedes AMG High
Performance Powertrains (HPP) who design and develop the power units
for the world champion MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS works team – and
also supply them to Sahara Force India, Williams Martini Racing and
Lotus F1 - at its facility in Brixworth, Northamptonshire.
The 20-year-old from Kibworth in Leicestershire is determined to prove
herself at the World Championship winning team and believes gender
shouldn’t be a barrier to career development.
“If engineering is something you are interested in, there is no reason why
the image of the industry being male-dominated should stop you,” says
Megan. “Women have no less to offer than men and physical strength is
not a necessity. Being able to offer a female perspective in this important
and influential industry could be of huge benefit and, being one of few
women, you might have that extra opportunity to shine.”
Having gained 10 GCSEs, an AS Level in Electronics, A Levels in Maths and Physics plus a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering, Megan joined
HPP as an Apprentice Test Technician.
“Our apprentices work in three critical roles – machinists, test technicians and assembly
technicians. The role of the Semta Apprenticeship Service is vital, meeting with the
apprentices every six weeks to review their progress, making sure they are on track
to complete their apprenticeships. They help to advertise our vacancies and guide the
apprentices through every stage of the process.”
Stuart Boyer
Employee Development Manager at
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP)
The three-year programme, which is approved by the
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, sees the apprentices
working alongside experienced engineers, learning through
a combination of coaching, mentoring and formal training.
Megan said: “My apprenticeship is based in Test Operations.
My first area of training was in the dynos, where I learnt to fit
and remove engines as well as test them. I then moved into
the rigs, where sub-systems such as the turbo, gearbox and
Energy Recovery System (ERS) are tested. Since then I have
been learning electrical skills in the test support workshop,
where I manufacture looms and modify testing equipment.
ENGINEERING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
www.semta.org.uk
[email protected]
0845 643 9001
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains
Megan’s life in the fast lane
HPP is currently sponsoring Megan
through a HNC course and she
hopes to go on to do a HND and a
degree, with further aspirations to
become an engineer.
Stuart said: “Megan has fitted in
very well. There was one occasion
when she spotted an issue which
experienced engineers in the
room had missed, which was very
impressive. Our organisation has
a strong commitment to diversity
and, traditionally, engineering was
a sector in which women were
under-represented. Here, people
are rewarded on merit irrespective
of gender. It is a meritocracy and if
someone is good enough, they’ll get
a position.”
The Semta Apprenticeship Service
offers employers a bespoke solution
that makes it easy to take on and
upskill apprentices.
“
I initially applied to study motorsport engineering at university, but not long after
applied for an apprenticeship at HPP, and chose this route instead. Before I started my
apprenticeship I had absolutely no work-based practical experience. Every skill I now
have has been learned here. That’s why I believe I made the right decision by choosing
an apprenticeship over university.”
Megan Soilleux-Cardwell
Apprentice at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP)
Our expert Apprenticeship Co-ordinators handle all
administration, recruitment and customised training
arrangements, as well as mentoring each apprentice
so that employers get the best results for their business
and apprentices the best start to their careers.
To find out more please contact our
Customer Services team:
[email protected]
0845 643 9001
www.semta.org.uk
ENGINEERING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
www.semta.org.uk
[email protected]
0845 643 9001