in the spotlight:
Scarlet Hadfield, Apprentice Tool Maker
Introducing Scarlet, our dynamic apprentice toolmaker. She embodies a strong spirit and a laser-sharp focus on her goals.
Her determined approach has propelled her through a career leap into the world of engineering and toolmaking—a field previously unfamiliar to her. Delve into Scarlet's compelling narrative below and be inspired by how she's crafting her path to success.
When did you start working at the company and how far have you come since you started?
I started at Louvolite in 2018 as an agency worker in the sub assembly room.
Not long after I'd been here at Louvolite, I saw an internal advert for an apprentice in the tool room.
Without having any prior knowledge about engineering or tooling, I was very nervous about applying for the role but the ladies that I worked with in the assembly room all had my back. They all encouraged me to take the opportunity to learn something new and apply for the role, I had nothing to lose!
How do you feel about being the only female in the tooling room?
To be honest, it really doesn't bother me. The guys have always been supportive, welcoming and never judged me in anything that I have done. We all feel like equals in this role. Knowing that I've given it my all so far through the apprenticeship scheme from Louvolite, it makes me feel empowered everyday. I applied myself and I've done myself proud.
Where are you now?
So 6 years after joining the apprentice scheme, I'm now graduating in June 2024 with a HND in Mechanical Engineering! If I hadn't taken the plunge to learn something new I would never have realised the height I could achieve.
How do you feel about being the only female in the tooling room?
How do you feel about being the only female in the tooling room?
To be honest, it really doesn't bother me. The guys have always been supportive, welcoming and never judged me in anything that I have done. We all feel like equals in this role. Knowing that I've given it my all so far through the apprenticeship scheme from Louvolite, it makes me feel empowered everyday. I applied myself and I've done myself proud.
Where are you now?
So 6 years after joining the apprentice scheme, I'm now graduating in June 2024 with a HND in Mechanical Engineering! If I hadn't taken the plunge to learn something new I would never have realised the height I could achieve.
"There couldn't be a better job for me"
What advice would you give to any other females wanting to take the leap in to a male orientated job role?
Just go for it!
The biggest worry I did have at the beginning wasn't that I would be the only female but it was whether could do the job. I've proved to myself that I can do it and there's nothing that suits me more. I'm a person that likes to be active and have a hands on role rather than a desk job. It's scary to take the jump into something you've not done before but what can go wrong? If you don't take the risks, you'll never see how much you can do.
What advice would you give to any other females wanting to take the leap in to a male orientated job role?
Just go for it!
The biggest worry I did have at the beginning wasn't that I would be the only female but it was whether I could do the job. I've proved to myself that I can do it and there's nothing that suits me more. I'm a person that likes to be active and have a hands on role rather than a desk job.
It's scary to take the jump into something you've not done before but what can go wrong? If you don't take the risks, you'll never see how much you can do.