Magtec apprentice Bethney Machin has a simple message for young people out there: Go after what you want and get yourself to where you want to be.
The 27-year-old is a trainee software developer at the UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Beth has always enjoyed a good work ethic. She waited tables as a teenager, got a job at B&Q after leaving school and worked as a postwoman during the pandemic. When she saw what a friend was doing as a software developer, she thought “that looks cool and creative”.
After seven months of teaching herself the basics, Beth joined Magtec in 2021 and is on course to complete her level three software technician apprenticeship this year. Beth has made a positive impression on her colleagues with her strong communication and coding skills and customer service background.
Beth said: “I absolutely love it. To be surrounded by so many intelligent and experienced people who are enthusiastic about what they do is very motivating. There is so much to learn and jumping in at the deep end is the best way. I am not afraid to ask questions and will happily listen for 20 minutes while one of the engineers explains something to me in depth.
“I want to be the best I can be. If you are working for 40 hours-plus a week, you have to do something you enjoy. We are growing exponentially. To actually work for a company that is doing good for the environment is so exciting. We recently surpassed 100 vehicles supplied to one of our customers – that’s a massive milestone.”
Magtec apprentice Bethney Machin says young people should go after what they want and get themselves to where they want to be
As part of her role, Beth has contributed to the redesign of Magtec’s web services to help improve user experience for the growing customer base. Her training is being supported by Baltic Apprenticeships, a national training provider focusing on digital and tech skills.
Personally, Beth is inspired by family members who have pursued their ambitions. She said: “They just go for it and don’t let anyone hold them back. I know there is a lot going on externally but you just have to go for it because life is short. Magtec is such a good place to be part of. You don’t get many companies that are willing to push you and help you get to where you want to be.”
Magtec is investing in its workforce to help meet global demand for its electric vehicle technology. Production doubled last year with substantial orders from customers in the commercial vehicle, rail, defence and logistics industries. The company employs nearly 170 people, including seven apprentices.
Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “We are delighted with Beth’s progress since she joined us in 2021. She is a fine example of what you can achieve with a positive attitude and is a perfect fit for our fast-growing company.”
Magtec’s new 65,000 sq ft facility in Rotherham is like a home away from home for Beth, whose parents run an MOT test centre. She said: “I grew up with vehicles in a garage, but Magtec is so clean and tidy – it’s great!”
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