Myah is striding into a man’s world

A tour of an aerospace engineering factory was the turning point for Myah Gillett - and now the student is urging others to follow in her footsteps and retrain.

Myah, 20, is currently studying an apprenticeship in Engineering at BCUC – and dreams of becoming an aerospace engineer herself once qualified.

Her love for engineering started when her dads’ friend showed her around where he worked.

Myah, from Padiham, said: “It looked so good. When we were walking around and looking around, I just thought ‘it would be great to build stuff like this’.”

“My ideal job is becoming a design engineer in the aerospace sector. It’s seen as a male dominated career path as it’s mostly guys who study engineering. I think this puts a lot of girls off.

“I was a bit nervous signing up, but I just thought ‘go for it’.”

Myah is studying an apprenticeship in Engineering. She has already completed a BTEC with Burnley College, progressing on to the HNC with BCUC. She is now in her fourth year of the apprenticeship and hopes to complete a HND and degree.

The ambitious student was one of eight people to sign up to the apprenticeship, most of which have gone on to study for the HNC.

A-levels weren’t the right path for Myah.

She explained: “When I left school I did A-Levels for a year but finished a year early and instead enrolled on the apprenticeship.

“Staying local was important to me. I didn’t want to be travelling for work, and then travelling further to study. BCUC also has a great engineering course.

“I’ve told my dad’s friend – the one who first inspired me, and he thinks it’s great that I’m studying the subject at BCUC. All the staff at BCUC have been great. If you ever struggle they will sit down with you and help. Steve Payton is an excellent tutor.

“My family are glad I chose a great course doing something I love, that will lead to a great career.”

Alongside Myah, four BCUC students are sharing their experiences of returning to education through an interactive campaign across Burnley and the surrounding areas. 

Residents are encouraged to look out for information boards featuring worn pairs of shoes, hosted by local shops and businesses, and scan the QR code to find out more about life at BCUC and how it has changed the lives and futures of the people featured. 

Find out more at https://www.burnley.ac.uk/bcuc-in-my-shoes/