Natalie Parker is a Technical Specialist for the Operational Technology Group at Sellafield Ltd. Natalie’s passion for STEM, especially maths and science, led her to explore an apprenticeship in Control Systems, quickly advancing from apprentice to senior engineer. Today, she provides technical advice, supports projects, and manages a team of nine engineers, driving collaboration and innovation across facility teams.

As a finalist for the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2024, Natalie is a strong advocate for young girls in engineering, highlighting the field's vast opportunities. She co-leads Sellafield’s Women in Technology group, working to achieve gender balance, and created the "Get Wired…Get Coding" workshop to inspire primary school students to explore electrical circuits and programming.

Today, we explore her journey and how choosing the non-traditional university route has given her valuable hands-on experience and encourages more STEM students to consider careers in engineering.

When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?

I always had a passion for STEM subjects throughout school in particular maths and science. I went to study my A-levels at a time the tuition fees had rose from £3000 and year to £9000. At this moment I realised I didn’t know what I wanted to study at university so started to explore apprenticeships available in the local area and discovered Control Systems which appealed to me. This was the first step into my engineering career.

What does an average day look like for you?

My days are extremely varied. I can be undertaking technical teaching to degree apprentices and acting as their line manager, undertaking assurance activities and investigations, providing technical support to projects and front-line engineering teams, carrying out maintenance improvements within my department, leading on work experience, leading the Women in Technology group.

How did you get into this career?

I began my Control Systems apprenticeship in September 2011. I stumbled across this apprenticeship not really knowing much about control systems but the involvement of maths and problem solving really appealed to me. I then spent the next 7 years developing from an apprentice to a senior control systems engineer. I then spent some time in the project team before entering my current role as a Control Systems Technical Specialist.

What qualifications have you earned?

I obtained a 1^st class honour in Plant Engineering (Engineering Systems).

Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?

When I had my children who are now 4 and 5, I suffered a bit of negativity with regards to my career and the unconscious bias of individuals. However, I have used this to my advantage and motivation to upskill management and this has given me the tools to progress in my career.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?

The world of engineering is so vast, and the opportunities are endless. As an engineer you can work all over the world in many different industries. It’s an exciting and ever-changing field to work in.

Do you have any interesting stories from your career as an engineer?

During my 7 years as a front-line engineer, I was involved in a very complex system modification due to problems with the facility equipment. The result from the modification enabled the facility to finish reprocessing nuclear fuel and I was able to sit with the operations team and watch the final shear. Very proud moment!

I have also loved running work experience and welcoming some of the students back as our control systems degree apprentices.

Curious about our #ShesAnEngineer series? Dive into our video series featuring women who are driving change and breaking down barriers in this male-dominated field. Discover their inspiring stories here: https://www.alexander-assoc.co.uk/women-in-engineering.