Leah Kitteridge

What made you pick this particular course?
I chose this course because I wanted to try something new after doing A Levels and my Personal Training qualifications and not really enjoying them.

What do you most enjoy about studying at Petroc?
Studying at Petroc has given me the opportunity to study a variety of different things. The chance to prove myself as a women in STEM and being Parker Hannifins first female apprentice comes with a whole host of interesting opportunities, including being part of the POW movement at work, which aims to get a lot more women involved in Engineering.

Did you undertake any work experience throughout your studies?
My apprenticeship is with Parker Hannifin in Barnstaple. The experience I have gained there working with the machinery and networking has been extremely beneficial and helped me decide that Engineering is the path I would like to continue to go down.

What do you plan to do when you leave Petroc?
I’m not 100% sure yet but working for Parker Hannifin gives me the opportunity to move to Canada through the company and continuing working over there. I’m half Canadian so this would be an amazing opportunity for me to relocate to a beautiful place and work my way up the career ladder.

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?
Just do it! What’s the worse that could happen? If you don’t like it you can move on to another one of Petrocs wide variety of courses! I’ve found a passion for engineering while studying my Level 3, I wasn’t sure at first but after starting my apprenticeship I’ve discovered a career I want to stick with.