Aged 33, Danielle Curtis saw her last chance to secure her dream career in engineering. Two years on, she tells her story to promote inclusivity in the industry
The path to our destination is not always a straight one. For 35-year-old First West Yorkshire apprentice engineer Danielle Curtis, an apprenticeship might not have been the preferred – or linear – route to her dream job.
After almost 20 years of trying to enter the profession, she is now halfway through a four-year apprenticeship in mechanical and electrical engineering at First Bus’s Bramley, Leeds depot.
Danielle says her interest in engineering stemmed from spending time with her grandad at a young age. “He was always in his shed, making and fixing things. I was always hands-on and trying to get into everything he was doing.”
Finishing school at 16, Danielle tried to get into engineering but struggled, finding herself only offered receptionist positions and other roles seen as more “appropriate jobs” for her.
This led to jobs in customer services, including almost 10 years as a betting shop manager before moving to the rail industry. That’s not to say Danielle gave up trying to get into engineering. During this time, she was accepted onto an engineering degree, which ended up not financially viable.
One last chance
Danielle worked for FirstGroup-owned TransPennine Express when she saw the apprenticeship opening at First West Yorkshire – a position she believed was her last chance to get into engineering.
“I thought, I’ve got nothing to lose. I might as well give it one more go before I accept that I’m getting on a bit and give up.”
A person in their 30s might not be the average apprentice applicant. But Danielle says she never felt her age “fazed” the bus firm. Likewise, now well into her apprenticeship, Danielle doesn’t think her age – or gender – impacts how she is treated.
“I was quite worried coming in because it’s a male-dominated environment,” she says. “I thought the other apprentices would be young lads, and I was going to have a hard time, so I was prepared for that. But it wasn’t the case. I don’t think I’ve ever been treated differently to anyone else.”
Committed to the job
Now, Danielle continues to make the 130-mile round trip for each shift. A commute that shows her dedication to the role and holds her in high regard with her peers.
“I’ve made quite a few sacrifices to be here, so they know that I’m serious because it’s not an option for me to fail,” says Danielle.
Two years into her apprenticeship, Danielle took part in the 10th IRTE Skills Challenge in June. Along with her team of four colleagues, she had the chance to highlight her talents by completing a series of practical tests. It’s an event Danielle says has helped boost her confidence.
“I felt nervous going. I am my biggest critic and second-guess myself sometimes. But when you find a fault on a circuit that someone else struggled with, for example, it helps your confidence.
“I am just at the end of the second year of my apprenticeship. So, I am proud to have been nominated and selected to take part.”
Results of the IRTE Skills Challenge will be announced at a Winner’s Presentation in September.
Danielle is also happy to be part of First Bus’s commitment to diversity in engineering. This includes participating in the firm’s #INWED21 social campaign in June and voicing her thoughts on what else can be done to inspire more women into engineering.
“First Bus is trying hard to encourage more women, and I think it’s brilliant,” says Danielle. “We’re getting the message out that they are inclusive, and I am glad to be involved.”
While Danielle doesn’t think there is a “quick fix”, she hopes telling her story will play a part.
“Getting my story out tells people that it doesn’t matter about your age or gender. Everyone can apply and will be welcome.
“[Talking to the media] isn’t my thing. I like to keep my head down and get on with my job. But if it helps someone not be so nervous about applying or their first day, it’s worth it.”
Bright future ahead
Starting an apprenticeship in your 30s might not be the traditional route, and there are pros and cons to doing it this way around, says Danielle. Namely, dropping from a certain salary to a first-year apprentice is “tricky”. However, having more work and life experience can be an advantage.
“When I worked in the betting shop, I had to keep an eye out for fraudulent bets. I always had to be on the ball and observant. And I think that has helped me here. When I’m working with electricians, I find I notice things like broken wires more than other people.”
With two more years left of her apprenticeship, Danielle hopes her managerial experience will hold her in good stead for her career goals, too. Looking beyond her apprenticeship, she would like to “rise through the ranks” and eventually land a supervisory or managerial role.
“I already have management experience, which is another benefit of beginning my apprenticeship later in life. I think this will help me progress when I get there,” she says.
No matter where her apprenticeship takes her, Danielle’s story is a true testament to the saying: It’s never too late to follow your dreams.
