Skip to Content
Portrait collage of two G&H apprentices against a blue background, with names shown below: Rhea Winsor and Audrey Chittenden.

G&H Inspiring the Next Generation: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

News

February 11th marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to celebrate the achievements of women shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – and to highlight the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation to following in their footsteps. At G&H, our apprenticeship programmes play a key role in this, offering hands-on experience, exposure to real world projects, and clear pathways for professional growth.

We spoke with two of our apprentices from G&H Torquay: Audrey Chittenden, Commercial Apprentice, and Rhea Winsor, Engineering Apprentice. Their experiences highlight how our programmes provide meaningful learning opportunities and support women in building rewarding careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Technician wearing safety glasses and blue gloves works at an optical test bench, adjusting fibre-optic components beside lab instruments and a laser/measurement control unit.©️ G&H

Rhea Winsor joined the G&H apprenticeship programme in 2024, driven by a natural curiosity and a desire to solve problems. “I’ve always liked to fix things, dig into everything, and make life easier for people,” she explains.

Rhea initially went to college to study animal care, but balancing work and study proved challenging. She started at G&H as an operator, and a colleague suggested she apply for the Engineering Apprenticeship, quickly realizing how different this approach was. “I didn’t know anything about apprenticeships before this. I found out I could get paid while I learned, and the experiences I’ve had have been incredible. It’s very different from university because you get practical, technical experience without debt.”

During her apprenticeship, Rhea has gained experience in procedure writing, device investigations, and working with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) devices. “I enjoy building and examining the OCTs from a test point of view - it’s both challenging and fun,” she says. The programme has also helped her develop independence and confidence. “Because of my dyslexia, working on my own used to feel daunting. With guidance from my mentors, I’ve learned to take ownership of tasks and communicate confidently with colleagues.”

For Rhea, the most rewarding part has been personal growth and overcoming challenges. “Being able to talk to people, share knowledge, and help others has been incredible. As a woman in STEM, the support I’ve received at G&H has been fantastic.” Her advice to others considering an apprenticeship is simple: “Go for it! If there’s room for me, there’s room for anyone.”

Office employee wearing a lanyard works at a desk with dual monitors, paperwork trays and stationery, with an “Invoicing Guidelines” document open on the screen.©️ G&H

Audrey Chittenden started her commercial apprenticeship in September 2024. She was drawn to the programme because it combines learning with practical experience. “It’s a great opportunity to learn through work rather than just through books. You work with so many different people, which helps you carve your own path,” she explains. University had not felt like the right option for Audrey. “It felt a bit daunting and I didn’t feel prepared. Here at G&H, I can progress at my own pace and adapt the experience to suit my goals.” Spending time in different departments has broadened her knowledge and given her practical skills she can apply in customer service.

Audrey’s day-to-day work includes sales order processing, updating customers, handling engineering change orders, and producing procedure documents. She has also developed her technical skills, learning to use Syspro, Office 365, and other software, while improving her communication through meetings and team interaction. “Coming from a hospitality background, I’ve been able to transfer my skills and combine them with more professional customer service experience,” she says.

For Audrey, the most rewarding aspect has been working closely with colleagues and customers. Exposure to departments such as purchasing, quality, and manufacturing has shown her the breadth of opportunities available. “It’s a freeing experience. You can define your own career path, and if you put the effort in, you’ll get the rewards out of it.”

Colleague at work in Torquay, A woman wearing a blue lab coat, safety glasses, and a hairnet is seated at a workstation in a clean and organized laboratory or manufacturing facility. She is smiling slightly while looking to the side. Behind her, a computer monitor displays technical data, and various lab equipment and tools are visible on the countertops. A notepad with a pen rests on the desk in front of her©️ G&H

Rhea and Audrey’s stories show how G&H apprenticeships provide far more than technical skills – they offer mentorship, hands-on experience, and the confidence to succeed.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, their stories highlight how our programmes empower young women to embrace opportunities in STEM, build meaningful careers, and shape the future of the industry.

If you’re interested in starting your own apprenticeship and joining G&H, find out more and apply via our Apprenticeships & Early Careers page.

Find out more about our apprenticeship programs
Careers