Apprenticeships: Georgia's story

Pioneering Georgia Price is the first young woman in South Wales to be working towards a Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

The unassuming 21-year-old from Llantrisant is being supported on her learning journey by her employer, AerFin Ltd in Newport and is currently a student at the University of South Wales. The global aviation company specialises in aircraft and engine component support services.

In addition to her degree, Georgia is close to completing an Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering with Coleg y Cymoedd, a member of Skills Academy Wales.

Blazing a trail for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers for young women, she won bronze and gold medals at the Inspiring Skills Competition Wales Manufacturing Team Challenge and last year won the Skills Academy Wales Tomorrow’s Talent Award.

Georgia began her degree last September and will spend two years in university, alongside working at AerFin. Her aim is to become a B1 licensed engineer, thereby expanding the work she can take on. She loves being in the workshop and taking things apart and reassembling them.

“I enjoy the mix of practical, hands-on learning and academic studies whilst being paid,” said Georgia. “Achieving the B1 licence will open more work opportunities, and I wouldn’t shut the door on doing more qualifications.

“I am a pioneer in being the first female aeronautical engineering apprentice at AerFin and now the first to do this degree. The company has been so supportive and now has three female apprentices. 

“My advice to other women considering an engineering career is to go for it. It’s not as daunting as it may look, and everyone is so supportive and welcoming. There are local, high-paid jobs available and, because the aeronautical engineering industry is booming, they will be around for a long time. 

“I’m now being paid to learn and don’t have to juggle university with a part-time job; I can just focus all my attention on my future.”

AerFin hopes Georgia's success will reinforce the company’s reputation as a leading employer in the aerospace industry and attract more talent.

Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s chief operating officer and a former engineering apprentice himself, said: 

“Georgia is a great asset to the business. When we sat down and discussed her future plan, she expressed an interest in becoming a power plant engineer in our technical department which led to the degree.

“She is very understated but totally focused on where she wants to go in her career.

“Apprenticeships provide the company with a great opportunity to take on and develop local talent which allows us to grow organically. We provide work experience places, internships and apprenticeships and are looking to develop a STEM programme in partnership with local schools.

“We recognise the value to the business of developing skilled engineers. We are focused on our people and developing the right culture which makes AerFin a great place to work.”

Louise Burnell, Coleg y Cymoedd’s aerospace co-ordinator, said: 

“Georgia is so humble and unassuming; she has no idea how talented she really is. She has a bright future and is on course to become a leading figure in the aerospace industry.

“AerFin has been fantastic in supporting her and embracing apprenticeships. It’s so nice to see young people coming on board and developing in the aerospace industry. They are the future of this country.”

Louise speaks from experience, having been aeronautical engineering apprentice herself with GE Arerospace in 2003 before joining the college to develop the next generation of apprentices.