Very well done Z, delighted to read that.

G

Pilot Z
Good luck with the upcoming apprentiship application. You seem a sensible and articulate young man.
My advice is to never give up. If you want an apprentiship at Shuttleworth (or anywhere), if you miss out this intake, keep applying and keep attending in any capacity so they know your face, and are impressed that you really, really want an apprentiship there.
I have worked in a different profession, and getting into training was highly competitive. The people who controlled who got in were always impressed by someone who put in the time to volunteer, and kept on applying till they succeeded.

I believe someone who claims to have flown all over the world solo also claims to have flown for the Shuttleworth Collection.

You could ask her, but I wouldn't hold your breath for any enlightenment. I believe her name was Tracey Curtis Taylor. I believe she will happily tell her tales of daring do to anyone who'll listen.

Z,

It looks as though you are already on the right path. A previous poster said 'never give up' - I agree, that is very good advice. I would also say 'knock on doors and go and see people'.

Also, always be prepared to do even menial jobs, keep making yourself useful, keep learning as much as possible all the time throughout your future career and seize opportunities whenever they arise, you never know where they might lead to.

I wish you the very best of luck!

Thank you all for the encouragement! Wasn't sure if anyone would see it or not but this is a pleasant surprise.

I've been told the only way to really make money in the industry is by having your own business. But right now I'm not in it for the money.

The menial jobs don't bother me so much - if anything its nice to get something menial once in a while.

Perhaps if I am successful at Shuttleworth I will make a post on here although I'm sure the media will want a slice (Shuttleworth's first lady apprentice?)!

Happy landings
Zoe

Zoe,

Even better!! I was taught to fly by a great lady back in 1959. She went on to become the first woman civil ATCO in the UK and then the first jet captain in the UK.

So let's hope you achieve another first.

Well done PilotZ! Your most direct path to working with, and flying vintage airplanes is to be where it's happening, and meeting the people.

Zoe

Sorry for my inexcusable gender assumption.
As you can see there is a good deal of interest here in your success. Please do post on your progress over the forthcoming years.
You will go far. Best of luck.

John

Perhaps I used to work in a much more structured industry with much more rigorous procedures both in terms of recruitment and in supplier purchasing.

But this sort of semi-cold calling would get you nowhere.
In fact it might actually get you worse so to speak in a negative sense.
If we wanted people we would advertise for them.
If we did not then we would not.
The endless letters/calls whatever from individual and from recruitment agencies/head hunters all telling us how wonderful they of their candidate were were all totally pointless.
They would all end up in the bin/not interested reply regardless.
The recruitment industry seemed unable to understand we did not have positions mysteriously left open ready for the possibility of a suitable candidate to appear from the woodwork one day.

The same applied to bids. I keep on hearing how important it is to personally follow up your bid and how meetings to discuss your bid are so important as "people sell to people".
Not in my industry they did not.
We bought according to umpteen rigorously applied factors including a financial risk assessment of the suppliers - and their salesmen wanting to meet up to "discuss" their bid was view as akin to an attempt to pervert the procurement processes.

I think that perhaps dsc that is the difference between seeking a permanent job, and seeking work experience.

G

Hi All

It's been the best part of 4 years since I first became interested in working for Shuttleworth.

I'm so pleased to say I've been accepted as one of two apprentices to start at The Collection this September for three years.

Hope to see you all there!

Zoe

Very well done and very patient!

Maybe see you at Airshow on September 1st?

Brilliant news! :D Look forward to more updates if you can.

I am usually at the UK Junior Gliding simulator so do please come and say hello!

Absolutely Brilliant Zoe. Well done, and I hope that this is the start of many years of fun with aeroplanes.

A passing thought - sadly women in engineering are still more of a minority than you should be. You might find some benefits in joining the Womens Engineering Society, or WES. You'll certainly be in good company.

G

Great to hear quine, you'll be an asset in checking for fouled gear linkages ;-)
You are also rather a good stick under pressure, hope you get a chance to show them that.
You throwing Pawnee's at the ground now?

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....12f10259c7.jpg
Winnie Drinkwater - 1930s mechanic and world's first female commercial pilot.


Congratulations Zoe!

(Strathaven Airfield is the product of The Scottish Flying Club, where Winnie prospered.)

Very heartening to read this thread and the success you've had Zoe. Aviation is one of those quirky industries where through sheer will and determination, the world is your oyster. I started my work experience at helicopter company based at my local airfield in May 1989 a few months before my 14th birthday and this has led to an amazing 30 year experience in aviation.

Excellent news Zoe. So pleased for you.