Rushlift GSE, the specialist airport ground support equipment and services provider, celebrates International Women in Engineering Day, June 23, 2024, by recognising the important role women play in maintaining highly specialized vehicles and support equipment in the aviation sector.
Illustrating the company’s commitment to supporting women in the industry, Gemma Forshaw recently completed her first year of a three-year course to qualify as a Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Heavy) under Rushlift GSE’s apprenticeship program. The 20-year-old trainee engineer works a four-day shift pattern with one day at Langley College where she learns the theory and principles of mechanical engineering in relation to vehicle maintenance.
Gaining practical experience is a core element of the Rushlift GSE apprenticeship program. At the company’s Heathrow facilities Forshaw, together with fellow apprentice Mattia Matarazzo (21), are mentored by highly experienced technicians on a wide variety of vehicle types from multiple manufacturers – from push-back tugs, tractors, electric baggage tugs and baggage carts, to steps, low loaders, belt loaders, ground power units and vans. Their work demands a thorough understanding of hydraulics and mechanics, along with an in-depth knowledge of advanced power technologies, such as biodiesel, electric and hybrid.
Forshaw says: “I’m very proud to be an apprentice engineer, learning all the essential skills needed to keep ground handling vehicles operating efficiently – it’s an important job that helps the fast turnaround of aircraft on the ramp, keeping passengers happy. Being an engineer is an exciting career with the opportunity to go far.”
A third apprentice training under the scheme works to the same high standards, and across a similarly broad range of vehicle types and makes, at Rushlift GSE’s new state-of-the-art Maintenance & Service facility at Gatwick Airport. In total over 40 service engineers work across Rushlift’s Heathrow and Gatwick sites.
Demonstrating that women have for many years been playing an important role in keeping Rushlift GSE’s ground handling equipment in tip-top condition is Harriet Bennett who has over 15 years’ experience as a fully qualified engineer. Harriet is a specialist on maintaining electric vehicles, including baggage tractors, a burgeoning field of GSE equipment.
Tim Willett, General Manager at Rushlift GSE, commented: “We wholeheartedly support International Women in Engineering Day 2024. As an organization heavily engaged in maintaining large fleets of very specialized equipment, we are keen to help individuals, women and men, who wish to become qualified maintenance engineers. In particular, there is a great need for young people keen to join our business – that’s why we are actively looking for young men and women who wish to join our apprenticeship program.”
As a company committed to excellence, Rushlift GSE recognizes the significance of training and development and the apprenticeship program is designed to provide aspiring professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to excel in the GSE industry. With experienced mentors and access to a diverse range of equipment, Rushlift GSE apprentices gain valuable hands-on experience, enabling them to become proficient engineers.
