A Yelverton apprentice has made history at a major aerospace employer after becoming the first female engineering apprentice at Collins Aerospace.
Sophia, a former Ivybridge Community College student, is building her career in engineering through the apprenticeship route at the global aerospace and defence company, which has operations in Plymouth.
Her achievement was recognised during National Apprenticeship Week at a reception hosted by trade body ADS (a trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space industries in the United Kingdom) in Parliament.
The South West remains home to a significant aerospace and advanced engineering sector, with employers relying on apprenticeships to develop skilled workers.
However, national figures show apprenticeship starts have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, and women remain underrepresented in engineering roles across the UK.
Sophia’s progression from local secondary school to a career in aerospace highlights the role apprenticeships can play in widening access to technical industries. Engineering apprenticeships typically combine paid employment with formal training, allowing learners to gain industry qualifications while working.
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Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, attended the Westminster reception and met Sophia during the event. She said apprenticeships provide an alternative pathway into skilled careers while helping businesses address workforce shortages.
“It was a real pleasure to meet Sophia in Parliament and to hear first-hand about her journey into engineering. As the first female apprentice in her field at Collins Aerospace, she is a fantastic role model for young people across our area.
“Her story shows exactly why apprenticeships matter – they give people the chance to earn, learn and succeed, while providing businesses with the skilled talent they need to grow.”
Collins Aerospace employs apprentices as part of its workforce development programme, supporting roles across engineering and manufacturing disciplines.
National Apprenticeship Week aims to showcase the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the wider economy, with particular focus on sectors facing skills gaps, including engineering and aerospace.
Sophia’s achievement comes amid ongoing efforts across the industry to encourage more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), where female representation remains significantly lower than in many other sectors.
