National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – Meet Amelia McVay
As we continue our celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re sharing the voices of apprentices who are shaping the future of engineering. This week, we sat down with Amelia McVay, an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, whose handson apprenticeship has given her a powerful start in the construction and civil engineering industry, and whose experience as a woman in STEM offers inspiration for others considering a similar path.
What made you choose an apprenticeship instead of a more traditional university route?
Fulltime education was never for me. I learn best by getting stuck in, not by sitting and being talked at all day. But I still wanted to keep studying and build a career, so I started looking into apprenticeships and it just seemed such an obvious answer.
What I learn in one day, I get to apply to real work situations during the other four. It’s a great balance. And by the time I graduate, I’ll have at least four years’ experience under my belt.
As a woman in a STEM based role, did you have any doubts or face any stereotypes? How have you overcome them?
I definitely had some doubts at first, mainly because I expected the stereotypes to be much worse than they actually were.
I worried I might feel out of place or have to work harder to prove myself. But once I started, I realised the industry is so supportive of bringing women into roles that many might have stayed away from. The sector is really pushing to bridge the gender imbalance and show that construction and civil engineering is for everyone.
What is one moment in your apprenticeship that made you feel proud of what you’re doing?
The opening of the New Wear Footbridge to the public! Seeing people walk across it for the first time and knowing I’d played a part in delivering something that will benefit the North East was amazing.
It made me realise that even as an apprentice, I’m helping to create something meaningful for the community. That’s a really rewarding feeling.
What would you say to other young women who love STEM but aren’t sure if an apprenticeship is right for them?
If you love STEM, but you’re unsure about an apprenticeship, definitely look into it, you might be surprised by how well it suits you.
Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn by doing, build confidence, and see how your skills make a difference in real projects. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. If you’re interested, motivated, and enjoy handson learning, an apprenticeship can be an amazing way into the industry.
