Chloe Breward, Mechatronics Technician

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What I do

My job is to maintain and repair equipment like conveyor belts, sortation machines and some robotics, so everything at the fulfilment centre runs smoothly.

If something breaks, it can stop thousands of parcels from being sent out, so by carrying out regular maintenance and fixing faults, I help make sure our operations keep moving, and customers get their orders on time.

Mechatronics Technician Chloe, in the workshop, wearing a hi-vis vest and gloves, posing by a bench-mounted tool.

How I became a technician

For my GCSE options, I chose Spanish, media studies and design and technology. I enjoyed practical subjects the most, especially anything where I could make or fix things.

I started A-levels in psychology and sociology, but I realised that academic learning was not for me, so I dropped out part-way through.

How I became a technician

After that, I tried some different paths. I studied animal management at college, because I wanted to be a veterinary nurse, but I decided it wasn’t the right career for me.

I worked for a plumbing and drainage company for a few years, then I had some jobs as a supervisor and assistant manager in pubs and restaurants.

How I became a technician

I joined Amazon as a warehouse operative, picking and packing orders. While working there, I discovered the apprenticeship programme and decided to go for it.

I was successful in getting a place, and I started my Level 3 Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME) mechatronics apprenticeship at the age of 28.

How I became a technician

I have always been a practical learner, and apprenticeships suit me much better than classroom-based learning.

Looking back, I wish I had known about this pathway earlier, as it’s been a great way to learn skills and build a career.

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A typical day in my working life

My shifts are 12 hours long and I work a mix of days and nights. I either start at 7am, or 7pm.

My shift usually starts with a safety briefing where we find out what has happened on the previous shift and what jobs we need to complete.

I am then assigned some preventative maintenance tasks, which means regular checks that keep the equipment working properly.

A typical day in my working life

Before starting any task, I carry out a one-minute risk assessment using an online portal on my phone. This helps me think about any dangers and how to stay safe.

If I need to work on a machine, I isolate it using a ‘lockout tagout’ system. This means I physically lock the machine, so it cannot be turned on while I am working on it.

A typical day in my working life

During the day, I might walk along conveyor belts checking for problems using my senses - looking, listening and even noticing smells.

I check for worn parts, damaged belts or unusual noises. Sometimes I clean parts of the machinery or replace components.

A typical day in my working life

If a machine breaks down, everything stops and all the team jump in to fix it as quickly as possible. It’s important to get things back up and running as quickly as possible.

I might also respond to callouts, like clearing a jam on a conveyor. If that conveyor is above ground level, I may need to get on a harness and go up in a MEWP, which is a Mobile Elevating Work Platform.

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Mechatronics Technician Chloe, wearing a hi-vis vest and gloves, using a wrench to tighten equipment.

What I love about my job

The best part of my job is fixing things. When something is broken and I can’t figure it out immediately, it can be frustrating. But when I finally solve the problem and get the machine running again, it’s a great feeling to know that I made that happen.

I also love proving that I can do this job. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, and as someone with ADHD, I enjoy showing that anyone can succeed in engineering, if they put their mind to it.

The skills I use most

Problem solving is the most important skill. Often, the reason why something has broken down is simple, but finding it takes patience and logical thinking.

I also need to be able to work under pressure, especially when equipment breaks down and needs fixing quickly.

Attention to detail is key as well. It’s important I notice small changes in how machines look or sound, which could be early signs of a problem.

Communication is also really important. I need to explain issues clearly to my team and ask for help when I need it. No one knows everything, so learning from others is a big part of the job.

When I finally solve the problem and get the machine running again, it's a great feeling.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, and as someone with ADHD, I enjoy showing that anyone can succeed in engineering, if they put their mind to it.

If you are thinking about doing something but feel unsure, just try it.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

Working in a team means we can share ideas and knowledge - one person might spot something that others have missed, and together we can solve problems faster.

I learn a lot from more experienced technicians, and it feels good to pass that knowledge on to others as well. It feels like a family, with a mix of ages and experiences, and everyone supports each other.

My favourite piece of equipment

My favourite piece of equipment is my lockout tagout lock. It’s basically a padlock that I use to make sure machines are completely switched off while I am working on them.

I attach it to the machine so no one else can turn it back on. It keeps me and my teammates safe, especially in a huge building where someone might not realise I am working on a machine.

It is simple, but it is the most important tool I have because it protects lives.

What I like to do in my spare time

In my spare time, I enjoy car detailing, which means cleaning and maintaining cars to a very high standard. I can spend hours doing it when I get the chance.

I also spend a lot of time being a mum, which takes up most of my free time. Before I had my daughter, I used to detail other people’s cars as a small business.

My school days

At school, I enjoyed hands-on activities and anything practical. I was not the most academic student, and I found classroom learning quite challenging.

Outside of school, I loved working on cars with my dad and helping with DIY jobs around the house. I was always interested in how things worked and I enjoyed using tools.

At the time, I did not feel like engineering was an option for me, especially as a girl, but those early interests definitely led me to where I am today.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

One of my biggest achievements has been working at height. I am actually scared of heights, so going up 15 metres in the air on a platform to fix equipment was a big challenge for me!

Overcoming that fear and still doing my job made me really proud.

A surprising fact about my job

There are miles and miles of conveyor belts in the building, and everything runs almost constantly because it is a 24-hour operation.

Also, I am currently the only woman on my team, which surprises a lot of people!

The next steps in my career journey

My next step is to complete my apprenticeship and become a fully qualified technician.

After that, I would like to move into a senior or leadership role, helping to manage teams and support others on the shop floor.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Be brave and go for it. If you are thinking about doing something but feel unsure, just try it.

If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.