Bethan Murray
Flight Perfector
I grew up in Manchester and I left home at 19 to start an engineering degree apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce in Derby. I then became a Production Manager, responsible for the team that strips down and rebuilds aircraft engines, helping make flying safe for thousands of people. My hero is Beyoncé, who I admire for her work ethic.
Facing a fear of flying
I was scared of flying until I went to space camp in Alabama and fell in love with engineering. My experience there with flight jet simulators and replica space shuttles helped me to understand flight, so I wasn’t scared, and I wanted to learn more.
How I became an engineer
I grew up in Manchester and I left home at 19 to start an engineering degree apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce in Derby. I switched my focus from law to join Rolls-Royce on the engineering apprenticeship scheme and now have an MSc in Engineering Business Management. I then became a Production Manager, responsible for the team that strips down and rebuilds aircraft engines, helping make flying safe for thousands of people.
Factfile
- Role
- Production manager at Rolls-Royce
- Favourite part of engineering
- Helping make flying safe for thousands of people
- Qualification path
- Engineering degree apprenticeship scheme at Rolls-Royce, obtaining an MSc in Engineering Business Management
Bethan Murray, aerospace engineer
Bethan inspecting an engine
Aircraft engine
Aircraft engine inspection
Bethan carrying out an inspection
Bethan Murray, flight perfector
Degree apprenticeship
As part of my apprenticeship I worked on building nuclear submarines and aircraft engines in Derby. I then led a large team of fitters and inspectors, taking aircraft engines apart and fixing them. I got to see huge aircraft engines - the ones that might take people on holiday - and understand how they work.
What's next?
In five years, I’d like to have learned from the best and be running my own factory.
"I was scared of flying until I went to space camp in Alabama and fell in love with engineering."
— Bethan Murray, production manager
Career timeline
A levels
Degree apprenticeship
Degree apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce
Obtained an MSc in Engineering Business Management
Role at time of filming
Production manager at Rolls-Royce
Current role
Engagement manager at McKinsey & Company
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