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Engineer

I’m an engineer because…

I really love learning and maths, and engineering gives you lots of challenges to resolve. I’m currently an Operational Technology Trainee Engineer.

I found it difficult at school because I had mild hearing loss which increased over the years. I believed I was stupid. Then, when I was 18, I started learning British Sign Language (BSL). My world opened up and my life changed. In 2019, after winning an Institution of Engineering and Technology Horizons Bursary, I started a degree in Engineering.

At the end of my first year, I was recommended as a candidate for a trainee role, had an interview and was offered the job. I now study part-time alongside full-time work as a trainee. I’m also a qualified rowing coach and am a proud mum of three.

Now profoundly deaf, I use hearing aids and at work I use a Phonak Roger Select Pen and Table Mics, the subtitles on Microsoft Teams, and an interpreter for large meetings.

Never believe you aren’t good enough. The journey might be difficult sometimes but push through, use your strengths and don’t give up!

Kailey Firmin