Roxane Kouassi and NFF Precision

18-year old Roxane Kouassi, has taken to the world of engineering and technology with her apprenticeship with NFF Precision, an engineering company in Bournemouth.

Roxane has already completed a level 2 qualification and is now studying towards a level 3. After she has completed her qualification, she would like to go onto university and study towards getting a degree as an engineer.

Her work involves milling and turning and she is involved in making parts for aircraft and machines.

She said: “The apprenticeship can be challenging at times but as I am learning new skills I have to be focussed and willing. I have been interested in a career in engineering since I was at school and the apprenticeship has given me all the essential skills I need to get me started in my career.

“The Paragon Skills tutors have been supportive and I am in the minority as I am a girl, but it is good; I don’t get treated any differently and we all get a long and have a few jokes.”

Paul Churchill, Training Officer for Paragon Skills, said: “Roxane is an exceptional young lady and had a lot of knowledge of engineering when she first started the apprenticeship. She took the bull by the horns and has shown interest, skill and professionalism since the beginning of her apprenticeship.

“She would like to use her apprenticeship as a route to university, however in the meantime she is making good progress with her employer and will have a good career in front of her.”