“I’m working
on a UK First”
Abigail, Control Engineer at our Winnington and Carbon Capture & Utilisation Plants, talks opportunity, progression and STEM at TCE.
FROM APPRENTICE TO CONTROL ENGINEER
Since Abigail joined TCE four years ago, she’s seen her career really take off – progressing rapidly from apprentice to Control Engineer for our Winnington and Carbon Capture Utilisation plants.
SUPPORTED TO SUCCEED
“TCE has been amazing for my progression and development, I started off as a technician and was able to complete my degree whilst working, and now I work across two plants.
Doing my degree alongside a full-time job was definitely a challenge but TCE really supported me throughout, granting me days off for university, exams and revision. I also had a really supportive line manager who really encouraged me to go for lots of different opportunities.’’
PROJECTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
“I’ve worked my way up to being CE engineer for the Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) plant. My job role isn’t restrictive which I really like, it’s really varied and I’m able to throw myself into the projects that I’m most interested in alongside my day-to-day role.
I just had to get myself on the CCU project. It’s the first plant of its kind and will see TCE make net zero sodium bicarbonate, a major step towards sustainable manufacturing – so obviously I really wanted to be a part of that. It’s been such a privilege to watch the plant go from commissioning all the way through to production. It’s all new technology which means there’s a lot of learning as we go. We’ve pulled together as a team through various teething issues, and I’ve loved working on such ground-breaking technology.’’
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN IN STEM
“A lot of people describe this industry as ‘male-dominated’. Although there is definitely work to do attracting more women into STEM roles, there are so many amazing women doing amazing work in this sector. There’s so much opportunity for everyone and women in particular at TCE, so if opportunity is what you want then it’s there for the taking!
What’s my advice for other women looking to get into the industry? If you’re interested just go for it! I have felt nothing but supported and respected at TCE and I’m really looking forward to my future here.”