Katie Brown
Everyday is a school day: Katie Brown’s journey from front of the classroom to factory floor at Nestlé
Katie Brown, a former teacher made the bold decision to retrain as an engineer later in life. Having completed a multi-skilled engineering apprenticeship at Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages bottling site in Buxton, Katie now works as a Shift Engineer, keeping production lines running and solving complex problems on a daily basis.
Here, Katie shares her story of career change, the realities of returning to learning as an adult, and her advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship, whatever their age or background.
Taking the leap later in life
Applying for an apprenticeship was not a decision Katie took lightly. With three children, a mortgage and established routines, retraining meant challenging the status quo, both financially and personally.
“I genuinely thought my age would be a barrier. I assumed companies wouldn’t want to invest in someone who already had a career behind them,” she says.
After applying for other schemes and facing initial rejections, Katie was offered a place on Nestlé’s multi-skilled engineering apprenticeship - a moment she describes as a leap of faith on both sides.
“Nestlé saw something in me and took a chance. I took the opportunity and never looked back.”
Learning on the job
Katie’s apprenticeship combined classroom-based learning with extensive hands-on experience on site. Early placements in the workshop allowed her to build confidence with equipment and components before moving onto live production lines.
“Starting in the workshop gave me a really strong foundation. You begin with individual components, then gradually build up to understanding entire machines and, eventually, the whole factory.”
Along the way, Katie developed technical skills ranging from fault-finding and mechanical repairs to using lathes, milling machines and diagnostic software, all while balancing stints at college, shift work and family life.
The learning curve was steep, but incredibly rewarding. There’s something very satisfying about being able to fix a problem yourself – for example, making a replacement part at four o’clock in the morning during a breakdown.
Finding confidence in a new environment
Returning to education later in life came with its own challenges. As one of the oldest apprentices on the programme, and a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated environment, Katie had to navigate feelings of self-doubt alongside the pressures of proving herself.
“I expected my age to be the biggest challenge, and, at times, it was difficult to relate to the younger apprentices on the programme. Still, qualifying and stepping into my role as a Shift Engineer has made a huge difference to my confidence.”
Today, Katie is responsible for diagnosing faults, repairing machinery and ensuring production continues safely and efficiently. Each shift brings something different and she says that unpredictability is exactly what she enjoys most.
“I don’t know what I’m going to walk into each day, and that’s what keeps it exciting. I’m problem-solving with my hands, using my head, and constantly learning.”
No regrets
Looking back, Katie is clear that choosing an apprenticeship was the right decision.
“I’ve rediscovered my sense of identity. This wasn’t an easy route, but it’s given me skills, confidence and a career I can take anywhere.”
She is now a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and encourages others, particularly women and those later on in their careers, to explore the opportunities available.
“Age is not a barrier. Commitment is the key thing. If you can, go and see what the role is really like, speak to people on site and understand what’s involved. Apprenticeships open doors you might not even realise are there.”
