For Lauren Newbery, starting an apprenticeship at LMS has meant learning a trade, understanding a new industry and finding her place in a team that has supported her from day one.
“I was looking for a mechanical apprenticeship, but when I learnt more about LMS and how they use landfill gas to turn it into something useful, that really interested me,” she says. “I’d never heard of a company using landfill gas to create electricity before.”
Her interest in mechanics also connected with what she already enjoyed outside of work. “I knew I wanted hands-on work. I have my own four-wheel drive and enjoyed working on that myself, so I wanted a job where I could show my skills and learn from other people too.”
“When I first started, I was nervous I wasn’t going to get much help from the team, but they’ve pretty much put all their time and effort into helping me and teaching me new stuff every day.”
As her apprenticeship has progressed, Lauren has developed a stronger understanding of both the mechanical side of the role and how LMS’ work comes together. “I’ve been learning how the whole engine works – how it goes from landfill gas into the engine, and then into power and electricity,” she says. “There’s a lot of detail behind making that actually happen. I’ve learnt a lot and I’m still learning.”
One experience that has stayed with her is engine rebuilds on site. “We spend a whole Monday to Friday doing a full engine rebuild, and I’d never seen that happen before. I was pretty impressed with the last two rebuilds we’ve done,” she says.
The people and camaraderie on site are also a big part of what makes the role enjoyable. “I don’t come to work thinking, ‘oh, it’s going to be another boring day’,” she says. “I come in, have a laugh with everyone, and still work hard to get the work done.”
For Lauren, being a woman in a male-dominated trade has not changed the way she is treated. “Everyone’s like one big family on site,” she says. “We treat each other with respect.”
Her advice to other women considering a similar path is simple. “Don’t be afraid or have second thoughts. Just get out there and give it a go. Some people might look at it and think it’s for men, but it can absolutely be for women too.”