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MeetFaye Cooke

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Mechanical Engineering CNC Turner & Operator
Mechanical Engineering CNC Turner & Operator at
Mechanical Engineering CNC Turner & Operator at

Faye Cooke, aged 21, works within the Turning department as a Mechanical Engineering CNC Turner, Setter, Operator, and Programmer for Xtrac Ltd in Thatcham, Berkshire. Faye joined Xtrac after leaving school at the age of 16 and completed a BTEC Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship in September 2023. Supported by Xtrac, she then went on to achieve an HNC and HND in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, Faye is progressing toward a BEng (Hons) degree in Engineering Design, which she expects to complete in August.

With aspirations of becoming a skilled engineer, Faye has continued to grow both personally and professionally with the support of her trainers and by taking full advantage of their extensive experience. Though she had no prior engineering experience, she has discovered a passion for machining and is steadily building her confidence. Having found school to be challenging, Faye is glad to have found a field she truly understands and enjoys.

In her spare time, Faye is an enthusiastic motorcyclist and a member of the Trail Riders Fellowship, where she rides with others who enjoy the countryside and participates in women's riding day outings on green lanes. Alongside riding, Faye enjoys getting involved in projects that allow her to use her mechanical skills. She recently acquired her first lathe and enjoys working on projects or performing maintenance on her vehicles.

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Behind the Wheel: Faye's Automotive Apprentice Journey with Faye Cooke

An apprenticeship in the automotive industry offers hands-on learning, practical skills development, and a collaborative environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Faye Cook, a CNC Turner at Xtrac, shares how her journey from school to a thriving career was driven by her passion for problem-solving and mechanical engineering. She highlights the importance of teamwork, precision, and continuous learning, noting how being neurodiverse has enhanced her practical skills. Faye encourages young women to embrace the challenge, emphasizing that the industry values dedication, curiosity, and diverse perspectives.
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