Board of Trustees
Laura Kershaw – Chair
Laura has been promoted to Chair of the WES Apprentice Board after a successful year as Vice Chair. She is pursuing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Automotive Engineering, where she has gained experience in building hydrogen engines, testing and driving vehicles, as well as fabricating components. Her passion for engineering began while working in the SFX team on films like Mission Impossible 8, Wonder Woman II, and Cruella. Laura engages in public speaking and also runs a YouTube channel, “Laura Kershaw Workshop,” to inspire other girls to explore the automotive industry. She fixes up and rides motorbikes, and is currently restoring a classic Mini. Additionally, she serves as Vice Chair for the IMechE YMP, is a STEM Ambassador, and engages in public speaking to promote engineering.
Saffah – Vice Chair
With this being the second year for her on the board, Saffah is the vice chair of the WES APB 2024. She is currently completing an apprenticeship in Aircraft Maintenance and will be going on to her EPA and competency assessments throughout this final year.
She has experience with fabricating sheet metal, working on business jets and also maintaining historic aircraft from her time volunteered at RAF Midlands Museum.
She is passionate about sharing her interests with others through social media and has lots of exciting projects and plans for this years board.
In her spare time she enjoys travelling, scrap booking and learning languages.
Chloe Breward
I’m Chloe, a second-year Mechatronics Apprentice at Amazon. I realized I had a passion for engineering, so I applied for the Amazon mechatronics apprenticeship! I believe there aren’t always a lot of us girls in this field. That’s why I’m super passionate about advocating for more women in engineering. My biggest cheerleader right now is my 6-month-old daughter. By showing her that I can thrive in this role, I hope I’m paving the way for her to break stereotypes and explore the awesome world of STEM – because girls can totally rock at building and fixing things too!
Lois Hazle
I’m Lois, and I have just been accepted onto the WES Apprentice Board for 2024. I am an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice working at BAE Systems, specifically within their Mission Systems department, meaning I support the development of avionic equipment for the next generation of fighter jet.
My interest in the aerospace industry began when training to become a pilot, and I have since got my private pilot’s licence for microlights and am currently converting my licence to fly light aircraft. Outside of work I volunteer for a local Girl Guiding group, as a leader, helping encourage girls to try new things and build confidence. Additionally, I am a STEM ambassador improving awareness of engineering and apprenticeships.
Alexis-Rose Brighton
Alexis-Rose is a 2nd-year Network Degree Apprentice currently studying Digital and Technology Solutions on an apprenticeship with BAE Systems.
As part of her role, Alexis-Rose has participated in many exciting projects. This includes supporting hardware installation onboard the Prince of Wales Carrier ship and being the Lead Carbon Analyst in a sustainability team, calculating the carbon footprint of the Queen Elizabeth Carrier ship.
She is passionate about spreading awareness on the issues women face in STEM and wishes to make positive changes to behaviour within the industry so that more women feel that they can speak up and get support on subjects that are still considered taboo.
Lily Ganchi
Lily is a 3rd year Engineering degree apprentice at national gas transmission, where she is currently studying Science industry process plant engineering at Aston university. the best part of her role is working within a team of multi-disciplinary subject matter expert engineers ranging from corrosion and pipelines to welding, where she gets to expand her knowledge and gain experience in a range of different engineering fields. “Being a part of the board over the past year has given me a platform to encourage school leavers, particularly young women and girls, to understand the many opportunities and skills you can gain in doing a apprenticeship – and the rewarding careers you can have”
Ellie Leadon
Ellie is a Fire engineering apprentice who joined bb7 in 2022, straight after sixthform. As part of her apprenticeship, Ellie is currently studying towards her beng (hons) in fire safety engineering at the university of central lancashire. THE role of a fire engineer ensures that buildings are designed to keep people, property and the environment safe from the dangers of fire. “the best part of my apprenticeship and role is working with other engineers. i work in an environment which encourages me to develop my knowledge and skills allowing me to provide valuable contributions to design teams.” Outside of work, Ellie volunteers as a Girl Guiding leader at her local Brownie unit, where she loves to share her passion for STEM related activities with the young women of the future.
Sana
Sana is a second-year degree apprentice working for AtkinsRéalis within the transportation sector. Her role involves designing for large-scale national projects and smaller schemes, specialising in civils and bridges. Often, she designs structures for railways and projects such as HS2.
“I enjoy constantly being challenged and the different opportunities that arise; no one day is the same”
Outside of work, Sana enjoys swimming and tennis. She is also an active public speaker, sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. She also volunteers to help with stem events, hoping to inspire the next generation of engineers.