As we close off Youth Month, we spoke to engineering metallurgist trainee from Veer Steel Mills in Germiston Brunice Shannon Taylor.
Brunice said when she was young, she did not know what she wanted to do but always knew she wanted something that would challenge her.
“I’ve always wanted a career that was different, interesting and challenging. My prayer was answered when I learned about engineering metallurgy from a family member who was in the career for years.
“It got me interested. I did my research and learned how diverse and unique it is, and I fell in love,” said Brunice.
She said she is grateful that she works in a male-dominated field.
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“Engineering was seen as a career which was tailor-made for men.
“I wouldn’t be doing this job.
“I am so grateful for women such as Helen Joseph and Lillian Ngoyi who stood up for generations after them and fought for us to be seen as equals.
“I believe women can do as much as men in the engineering field,” said Brunice.
The 24-year-old is not only a metallurgist but also has a leadership role in the plant.
“Having a leadership role in the plant can be challenging since I am a young female in a male-dominated industry.
“But I always take every challenge as an opportunity to learn.
“Also, my team works well together. It always steps up to help me out, especially in the physical duties,” said Brunice.
She said she was grateful that her company gave her the opportunity.
“I’m happy the company gives young women a platform to lead and take on roles that are sometimes challenging but can increase our knowledge, thinking capacity and skills because it also helps us grow in our field, said Brunice.
She said she does not regret choosing her career because every challenge is a learning curve.
“I love metallurgy because you learn something new every day and you work with people to analyse different types of failures to find solutions.
“Metallurgical engineering is a career that is uncommon, yet so interesting. I’m happy to have met it and pursue it as a career,” said Brunice.
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
