Louise
Modern ApprenticeEngineering
Louise Collins’ aviation career is taking off thanks to an Engineering Modern Apprenticeship with GE Caledonian.
Louise's journey
Louise’s passion for aircraft soared during childhood family holidays. As a teenager, Louise dreamt of becoming a pilot and started taking flying lessons while still at school.
After chatting with her careers adviser in school, Louise decided to go to college. She knew this route would help her build the skills and qualifications needed to fuel her aviation career.
Kilmarnock-based Louise headed to Ayrshire College to study an SVQ in Aeronautical Engineering. Afterwards, she was hired as an Engineering Modern Apprentice by GE Caledonian – her career has flown high ever since!
Louise said, ‘My confidence has skyrocketed through my Modern Apprenticeship. It’s given me so much.'
Louise's apprenticeship
Louise’s Modern Apprenticeship has propelled her career!
As an apprentice overhaul engineer, Louise works in a team that assembles, disassembles, inspects, cleans, repairs and tests jet engines.
When she’s not overhauling aircraft engines, Louise helps other young people get into aerospace – especially women. Her colleagues at GE Caledonian describe Louise as a ‘strong female role model who drives change’.
As a committed STEM ambassador, she’s spent more than 80 hours volunteering in schools across Ayrshire.
And Louise has also impressed at a global level. She earned praise as her process improvement team initiated over $1 million in annual savings by streamlining waste-management processes.
What advice would you give to someone who’s considering a Modern Apprenticeship?
Tell us about the experience you’ve gained as part of your Modern Apprenticeship!
What career goals do you have once you finish your Modern Apprenticeship?
A Modern Apprenticeship is a pathway into the career you want. I’ve gained more independence and I’m always developing new skills.
Louise
Modern Apprentice, Engineering
The future
Louise has embraced every aspect of life at GE Caledonian.
The 23-year-old has made an impact on the company’s women’s network. By connecting with local charities, Louise has helped raise awareness of societal issues. For example, she invited South Ayrshire Women’s Aid to deliver training to GE staff.
In 2025, Louise’s sky-high work was recognised at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. She not only won the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 6+ category, but was also crowned Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year.
Outside of work, Louise still loves travelling by plane. The talented engineer now has the added thrill of boarding aircraft powered by the very engines she works on.
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