Bethany Haynes, Engineering Manufacturing Technician

Learn all about...

What I do

My job is based in a workshop, in a university, where I help university students and staff design and make things. I might be teaching someone how to use a 3D printer, helping build parts for a Halloween costume, or making a custom laptop tray to attach to a wheelchair. Whatever they want to create, I help them bring it to life.

Bethany in the workshop, wearing safety goggles, using a lathe.

How I became a technician

For my GCSE options I chose product design, drama, and geography. After school, I stayed on at sixth form, mostly to be with my friends, but I didn’t do very well in my A-levels. I then went to college to study bench joinery, which is a type of woodworking, but I struggled to find a job after that.

One day, I popped back to my old school to collect some projects, and they told me their workshop technician had retired and asked if I’d like the job. I said yes and became an apprentice technician.

How I became a technician

I worked at my old school for two years, helping and teaching product design to students.

From there, I moved to the college where I’d previously studied. I became a construction technician and got stuck into everything from plumbing and painting to bricklaying and electrics. I loved learning new things and helping the college students prepare their materials.

Next, I worked at a school called WMG Academy as an engineering technician, even though I knew nothing about engineering!

How I became a technician

The interview was a hands-on workshop session and I got the job because I worked well with the team. I learnt metalwork, welding, and how to use plasma cutters and CNC machines (computer-controlled machines that cut materials into a designed shape).

I then worked at The University of Warwick, in different technician roles. I did all sorts of things, like 3D printing, working with robots, helping small companies make new products, and even embroidery.

How I became a technician

I learnt so much and got to visit all kinds of places, from cricket farms to bike saddle makers!

Now I work in the university’s ‘Engineering Build Space’ – a workshop that helps both students and staff, and I get to make things there every single day.

Ready to have a role like this?

Whether it’s T-levels or an apprenticeship, there are many ways for you to become a technician as well.

Explore your options

A typical day in my working life

There’s no such thing as a typical day in my job! One moment I’m teaching someone how to use a CNC machine or a 3D printer, and the next I’m helping them vacuum form chocolate bar moulds. I’ve made coasters, wheelchair trays and even helped a student design a lion-proof weighing scale!

A typical day in my working life

Students from any subject bring in their ideas and it’s my job to help them figure them out, whether it’s an engineering project, or for something else like drama, dance or history. Every other Tuesday, we run an evening session with pizza and drinks where anyone can come and make stuff. I never know what’s coming next, and I love that.

What I love about my job

I get to make things and help people, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Now I’ve found a job that lets me do both, and that makes it perfect. Every day is different and full of creativity. Whether I’m designing with students, building something new or coming up with a clever solution on the spot, I get to see the impact of my work straight away. I’m surrounded by people who love experimenting, sharing ideas and learning new things. It’s fun, practical and really rewarding.

The skills I use most in my job

I use loads of the practical skills I’ve built up from my time at school and in work, from woodworking and welding, to using metal lathes and digital machines. But people skills are just as important. I teach and support students, some with disabilities or extra needs, and I also work with staff from all sorts of departments. That means I have to listen carefully, be patient, think creatively and explain things clearly. I also have to come up with solutions quickly when students arrive with wild ideas and tight deadlines.

I love helping people make things that improve their lives.

I’m surrounded by people who love experimenting, sharing ideas and learning new things. It’s fun, practical and really rewarding.

Sometimes it’s scary to take a big step... You have to trust your instincts and take a risk now and then.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

I work in a small team of four and as a team we’ve got all kinds of experience, from electronics and set design, to welding and embroidery. For the first time ever, I’m working alongside another woman doing the same job as me. It felt strange at first because we were both so used to being the only woman in the room doing this kind of work, but now it’s brilliant. It shows young women they belong in these spaces too, which makes me proud.

My favourite piece of equipment

I love the wood lathe and metal lathe. These are machines that spin material really fast while you use a tool to shape it. With wood, it’s done by hand, and with metal, the tool is fixed for more precision. They’re great because I don’t have to be good at drawing, I just start shaping the wood or metal and somehow what’s in my head comes out in the finished piece. I’ve made all sorts of things on my lathes, like Christmas decorations, bowls, table legs and tiny keyrings. I’ve even seen people shape chocolate on a lathe – I’d love to try that one day! When I’m using a lathe, my brain quiets down because I have to concentrate fully. It’s really calming and satisfying.

What I like to do in my spare time

I like keeping busy! I volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, helping young people have adventures and develop their skills. I’m also a church warden and I coach a women’s rugby team. I used to play myself but had to stop after hurting my knee. I stay active with fitness training and I do fundraising too. I recently ran a quiz night and cake sale which raised over £2,000 for charity. I don’t really have much spare time, but I like it that way.

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

One of my favourite projects was designing a laptop tray for a student’s wheelchair. It sounds small, but it made her day-to-day life much easier. I love helping people make things that improve their lives. Our workshop is a friendly, relaxed space where anyone can come in, have a snack, chat and get help making something. That welcoming atmosphere makes people feel part of a community, and that’s what I’m most proud of.

A surprising fact about my job

Engineering isn’t just about tools and technology, you also need imagination, problem-solving, and people skills. We don’t just build things; we help bring ideas to life in all shapes and forms.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Sometimes it’s scary to take a big step, even if you know it’s what you want. I nearly didn’t apply for this job because I was nervous about change. You have to trust your instincts and take a risk now and then. Not every risk will work out, but some will, and they can lead to amazing opportunities.