Interview with Laura Davies for Escape

21 September 2017

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Laura Davies, 27

Dyson Engineer

Bristol

 

How did you get involved in Escape?

I was contacted by a Maverick employee via LinkedIn. I have a couple of high profile engineering projects under my belt which seemed to be their search criteria for the series, so I jumped at the opportunity. I like living life in the fast lane and pushing my limits, for example; I am scared of heights so I decided to take up paragliding and I qualified to be a club pilot over a 4 week course in Bavaria.

What high profile projects have you worked on?

During my aeronautics studies at university, I joined an officer training corps and after 2 years, I transferred over to join the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) Reserves. REME are attached to the Bloodhound SSC Project; a British supersonic land vehicle currently in development that is on track to try and break the land speed record of 763mph. I did an engineering attachment on the project between my second and third year of university with the REME and I also trained to be a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) ambassador for the project. They are going to Newquay in a few weeks to do some test runs in the public eye. I also worked for Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team straight out of university. I graduated last summer; 2016 with a First Class with Honors in Aeronautics.

What did you do at Ben Ainslie Racing?

The Americas Cup is a really prestigious event and an innovative engineering challenge. The last cup raced hydrofoil catamarans. My initial job role was hydraulics and then I moved into a varied role in Systems development. I did some concept design on CAD, hydraulic pump testing, systems modelling and weights etc. and was still able to get hands on in the boat shed. The boat was a mix between an aircraft and an F1 car. The wing or main sail is very similar to an aircraft wing; it has flaps that are controlled via hydraulics. The boat is lifted out of the water via a hydrofoil, which again is essentially a solid wing with a positive angle of attack.

How did you get into engineering?

I never thought I’d be an engineer. I always had an interest in building things as a child and I found myself capable, so I made the decision to focus and pursue a career in engineering. I studied Aerospace Engineering and Performing Engineering Operations at the European Centre for Aerospace Training, Macclesfield. I then went on to study Aeronautics at Staffordshire University. I owe a lot to the REME to be honest; the opportunity to work on the Bloodhound project during my studies set my CV aside from most graduate engineers. A recruiter saw my CV online and I was basically in a one horse race for the position at Ben Ainslie Racing.

Where do you work at the moment?

I was actually contacted by the same recruiter that recruited me into Ben Ainslie racing with an offer to work on an exciting project at Dyson. The opportunity was too good to turn down, so unfortunately I am leaving Rolls Royce at the end of September and starting at Dyson at the start of October.

What have you been told about the show?

I wasn’t told much about the show, but there have been plenty of clues to leave me guessing. Obviously we are going to be placed in a hazardous environment in Iceland and one can only guess where we will end up…

How are you feeling about working with Ant?

I'm in the army reserves so I’ve met a few people who have worked with him. I am not going to say what they told me! I’ve heard a mixture of things…

Do you think your military background will help when it comes to working with him?

Yes, 100%.  The logic behind his actions or words may be derived from his previous career in the forces, so I will understand where he is coming from in some respects.

Have you done a lot of tough exercises in your military career?

I’ve trained in Germany during a heat wave and in torrential rain. I have also trained in the cold in Catterick and Brecon, but not on a glacier in Iceland! I have taken part in improvised builds; I did a scrap heap challenge weekend with the army where we had to build an amphibious vehicle and take part in a race. I’ve done a few things that relate to what we  will be expected to do.

How do you combine your job and being in the army reserves?

I train with the army during weekends away and every Wednesday for a couple of hours. I do a 2 week annual training exercise every year also. There is also a basic syllabus that must be taught every year that includes your fitness assessment, weapons handling test, navigation etc. I am going away to do my annual training when I get back from Iceland, then four weeks after that I go and sail the Atlantic.

You are one of only a few women in the industry, is more being done to change this?

I’m a STEM (Science technology Engineering and Math) Ambassador and there’s a huge push to get girls involved in the industry; it is essential to get people interested at a young age. I also became a board member of the Women’s Engineering Society, Young Member Board recently. WES help’s and supports women AND men who are, or want to pursue a career in engineering. Less than 10% of the UK’s engineering work force is female, whereas other European countries are more than double that percentage. I am not quite sure why the UK suffers.

You mentioned you would be sailing the Atlantic, what’s that for?

The Army is taking a challenge 72 around the world in 12 legs. I am doing the second leg from Lanzarote to St. Lucia; I am really excited!

Have you sailed before?

I took part in a Regatta recently but I was just doing bits and bobs on the boat. I should know a bit more about sailing considering I worked on an Amercia’s cup team! I will be competent crew qualified when I reach the Caribbean and I am sure to do more sailing afterwards.

What’s the big dream for your career?

I don’t have a dream; I am just taking life as it comes. I like innovative, fast-paced engineering. I want to stick at that whilst I’m young. I am hoping my next move to Dyson is going to be a good career move me. Dyson are always in the limelight with their innovative projects and I have heard only good things from employees.

Do you think this show could change the way women are considered within engineering?

It could go one way or another. I am hoping to make a good impression on women in engineering but it is essential we all work together as a team despite what differences we may have. I would rather not be seen as a ‘female’ engineer and just have gender set aside. I have been in quite a few situations where there has been gender discrimination. It can be very damaging for someone’s confidence in themselves and in their work.