GIRLS,
GIVE ENGINEERING A GO!
Thinking about a career in engineering but worried it’ s a job for the boys? Award-winning apprentice Sophie Dunn has three words of advice:“ Just do it!”
Sophie, 21, is proving that girls can build exciting careers in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
And she wants more young women to follow her lead.
After leaving Billingham’ s Northfield School, Sophie trained in instrumentation engineering at TTE before joining Teesside’ s CF Fertilisers as an apprentice in 2023.
She’ s now working with specialist equipment, learning new skills and building a career she loves.
“ I’ ve always been practical and wanted to work in some sort of industry,” she explains.
“ I did design tech at school but focused on engineering design from the beginning.
“ My dad’ s always had his own business doing property maintenance and his best mate’ s an electrician who encouraged me too.”
At Billingham-based CF Fertilisers, Sophie gets hands-on experience with everything from programming and calibrating equipment to setting up new instruments.
And she couldn’ t be happier with her career choice.
“ I really enjoy it at CF,” she says.
EVERYONE’ S AMAZING, THEY’ RE SO NICE. I LOVE IT!”
Her enthusiasm and hard work have already earned her recognition, with Sophie winning the Best Newcomer title at the Tees Businesswomen Awards 2025.
But while she’ s proud of her achievement, Sophie is even more passionate about encouraging other girls to consider engineering.
“ As clichéd as it is, just do it!” she says.
“ It can be terrifying but the more girls that get into it, the less scary it’ s going to be in the future for females who want to get into the industry.
“ We need to be those people who set the example and be role models for everyone else.”
With plans to keep gaining qualifications and developing her skills, Sophie hopes her engineering journey is only just beginning.
And her message is clear: if engineering interests you, don’ t let stereotypes or nerves stop you giving it a go. You could be the next Sophie Dunn!
Girl power – award-winner Sophie Dunn wants to encourage more girls into engineering.
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