In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), Reliance Precision Limited (‘Reliance’) is proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Mechanical Design Engineer, Maria Perrins, who has recently completed a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Product Design and Development Engineering, achieving a distinction.
Maria joined the Reliance Precision Apprenticeship Scheme in 2019 after completing her A Levels. She learnt about Reliance online and, after visiting the company’s Huddersfield site, she decided to apply. During the second year of her apprenticeship, Maria discovered she was well-suited to a career in design engineering and specialised in this area during her third and final years. After graduating from the apprenticeship scheme in late 2022, Maria began a Level 6 degree apprenticeship at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) as part of working towards a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Manufacture.
Maria comments: “My Level 6 qualification in Product Design and Development Engineering was gained through evidencing professional knowledge, skills and behavioural criteria through real-life work projects to demonstrate that I meet industrial and company standards. As well as compiling my professional portfolio, I also undertook an End-Point Assessment in which I presented my evidence and held an occupational professional discussion with an EAL Assessor, who was an experienced engineer. The evidence pack and the professional discussion ultimately showed that I met the Level 6 distinction criteria, which I was really humbled and happy to receive. Working towards this qualification over the past four years has been challenging but rewarding, and I am very grateful to Reliance and the AMRC for supporting me throughout this process.”
David Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at Reliance, adds: “Maria is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through apprenticeships and hard work! Her dedication, talent and determination have made a real impact at Reliance. As an organisation, we’re committed to supporting diversity in engineering and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers. We are all very proud of Maria’s achievement and continued progress.”
