MSSL director talks with school pupils about careers in STEM

MSSL director Emily Smith returned to the classroom for World Mental Health Day - talking careers in STEM with students.

She was invited to speak at Judgemeadow Community College in Leicester in her role as an Enterprise Adviser for the local LEP.

Emily spoke with Year 11 students about STEM and her own journey to becoming Operations and Finance Director at MSSL and MD at our sister company AVW Fabrications.

She gave tips for how students can build careers in manufacturing - as well as talking about how apprenticeships can be a highly rewarding alternative to college and university.

Emily said: “As a former apprentice who didn’t go to university, I’m able to talk from experience about how there are alternative routes to really good careers in STEM.”

Emily is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor. She moved into the manufacturing industry in 2013 after eight years with an accountancy practice.

Emily is also a member of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership’s (LLEP’s) Enterprise Adviser Network, which works with the Careers and Enterprise Company and the local businesses community to inspire and prepare young people for the world of work. 

Enterprise Advisers are volunteers drawn from businesses, working directly with school leadership teams to develop effective employer engagement plans.

These bring real business leaders into schools to help with careers advice and careers planning for young people.

Michael Smith Switchgear itself employs several apprentices.

Emily travelled to London after finishing at Judgemeadow after being invited to speak at the ICAEW’s Women In Leadership Programme Graduation for 2023.