National Apprenticeship Week: Inspiring The Next Generation of Women in Engineering with Georgia Reading
9th February 2026
Georgia Read comes from a family of female engineers who encouraged her to think about a career in this innovative sector. Here, Georgia tells us what she loves most about working in engineering and how she thrives at the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology.
The partnership between the IoT and my employer means that the work is connected and realistic for the job I do on a daily basis. Working at GE, I get access to so many opportunities and I enjoy working with such skilled engineers, who ultimately help me to grow.
Georgia Reading, Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician and HNC in Engineering for England (HTQ)
"During my second year studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing at Stafford College, I was looking at potential apprenticeships as this was always going to be my plan after Level 3. I was directed to GE by my lecturer who mentioned a Level 4 Apprenticeship in CAD Design. I wasn’t very confident that I would be successful, but I was over the moon when I secured the role.
I have always been fascinated by digital and CAD design programmes, especially with the introduction of AI and Innovation. I also come from a family of female engineers – both my mother and sister work in this field and they both encouraged me to look into higher-level apprenticeships and for that influence, I am so grateful. I applied for the Level 4 apprenticeship at GE but I wasn't that confident on being successful but when I secured the role, I was over the moon. The work experience on my Level 3 studies definitely helped me to step up to the Level 4 and I love working for the company which I see as my long-term career.
Studying at the IoT, you get a feeling of studying a university course but it's way more than that. The technical side is worlds apart and the equipment I have access to is all brand new and of an industry specification which really helps me back in the workplace. The support I get to access is really important to me and nothing is too much trouble. Compared to other universities, the learning is skills-led and in small sizes and our lecturers have our best interests at heart. Employers have a meaningful input into the courses which definitely gives learners the edge on what skills are needed to be successful with this very competitive industry.
The partnership between the IoT and my employer means that the work is connected and realistic for the job I do on a daily basis. Working at GE, I get access to so many opportunities and I enjoy working with such skilled engineers, who ultimately help me to grow.
My biggest challenge has been developing time management skills to manage college, my job and my apprenticeship, but I manage by planning and having routines for each area of my life. I’m lucky to be supported by my family, lecturers, assessors and my employer. I always knew that doing a Level 4 apprenticeship would be challenging but I was confident to go for it, so having that mind-set has really helped me to grasp the importance of balancing my time and keeping on top of work and assignment submissions.
One of my most memorable experiences so far has been getting involved in the Institute of Technology launch event where I got the chance to speak about my journey so far. I felt so proud to learn here and for been given the opportunity to represent GE. The IoT is fantastic and has so much opportunity for developing students through the levels.
The apprenticeship and the HNC have allowed me to expand my existing engineering knowledge and I want to continue my studies. In 5 years time, I really hope that I am still working with GE as I've met many incredible people and I've gained so much knowledge about the company and what we do."