Mariana Russell

Engineering Apprentice

I joined the Heathrow Engineering Apprenticeship in 2022, aged 41, with no engineering experience or background. I had always been curious about engineering but never had the courage as I had thought of it as a man’s world. I had wanted to work at Heathrow Airport since I first landed here in the UK from Madeira (Portugal) in 1988.

I worked as a Customer Service Agent for British Airways, then as Cabin Crew before leaving to become a Security Officer for Heathrow. I worked in this role for 13 years and one day I came across an advert about the apprenticeship, plucked up the courage and applied. Losing my dad to pancreatic cancer in 2021 taught me that life is too short and that you need to go for the things you enjoy and not let anything hold you back.

It was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. At first it was incredibly challenging going back to college after an exceptionally long time, but if you are willing to work hard and you have passion, you can do it.

I am now on my third year of the apprenticeship and doing a HNC at Uxbridge College with the opportunity to do a HND fully paid by Heathrow. The section I am on now is Terminal 2 Engineering, where we are responsible for maintaining the airbridges that connect the aircraft to the terminal, all the terminal lights, doors and much more.

I have enjoyed and learned so much from extremely helpful and experienced technicians. I still have a long way to go but my advice to you is if you are thinking about joining the apprenticeship then do it. It is never too late. I am now 44 years old I have a 13-year-old son. All the hard work is worth it as you get to learn so much, it is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and to learn a new skill whilst getting paid.