Eve Bennett – MSE Hiller
Name: Eve Bennett
Role: Mechanical Engineer
Company: MSE Hiller
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Mechanical Engineer Apprentice
“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer for as long as I can remember. I love the job and the company I am working for. I couldn’t see myself doing anything different.” Eve Bennett.
It was a two-week work experience placement with MSE Hiller organised through the Made in Chesterfield initiative four years ago that opened Eve Bennett’s eyes to the possibility of building a career in the engineering sector.
At school Eve enjoyed DT, engineering and art. “DT was one lesson a week where I could get my hands dirty and I loved that,” she said.
“When I did engineering at school I was the only female in the class. The teacher asked me if it was a problem for me and said he’d understand if I wanted to change subjects. It absolutely wasn’t a problem for me, but I think it really shocked him because I wasn’t following the female stereotype of wanting to do sewing or cooking.”
The work experience with MSE Hiller, a UK leader in the supply, installation and rental of centrifuges and sludge dewatering equipment, was so successful that Eve successfully applied to the company’s apprenticeship programme.
Since joining MSE Hiller as an apprentice mechanical engineer in 2018 she has since completed her Level 3 apprenticeship. “I definitely want to do my Level 4 apprenticeship to gain more experience and knowledge. I’d love to be able to mentor future apprentices at MSE,” Eve said.
Long-term, Eve would like to develop her CAD skills and combine this with building the machines at MSE Hiller. She explained: “The thought of being in an office full time is my idea of a nightmare. I love being on the bench stripping down and building machines. I would also love to be involved with the design of the machines as well as building them and that’s something I’d love to work towards at MSE Hiller.”
None of Eve’s family are in manufacturing or engineering but have been hugely supportive of her career choice. “My parents are both so proud of me that I have forged a career in a male dominated sector.”
When asked what she’d say to young girls considering a career in engineering Eve said: “I’d say just do what you want to do. I still find it shocking that women get frowned upon for going into engineering. It’s a brilliant job and career for anyone.”
