National Apprenticeship Week 2020 – Rosie Arrowsmith

Rosie Arrowsmith, 18, is a Marine Engineering Apprentice from South Essex College. She lives in Erith and works at Port of London Authority.

The Authority’s operations cover 95 miles of the River Thames. They work to keep commercial and leisure users safe, protect and enhance the environment plus promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

Rosie enjoys studying for her mechanical engineering apprenticeship. She said: “I like the variety from day to day. An apprenticeship was the best option for me as you get a chance to gain on the job experience and study as well.”

Being a female in a male dominated industry does not phase Rosie at all. She added: “I get treated the same way as everyone else. If there were any stereotypes in place before I started then they have been broken by myself and the other female apprentices on the deck side.

“After my apprenticeship I would like to become a technician or possibly go in to the merchant or royal navy.”

For more information about apprenticeships with the college, visit www.southessex.ac.uk/apprenticeships