This is the official podcast from Technical Education Skills Trust, the operator of London Design & Engineering UTC, LDE UT6th Form, Engineering Skills College, East London Furniture Institute (ELFI), and the Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX).

In this episode of Industry Ready, we meet Zainab, one of our inspiring Year 13 learners, who shares her exciting journey through Sixth Form and her passion for engineering. Students and parents/carers will hear how Zainab combined A-Level Maths, Physics and Mechanical Engineering with a huge range of extracurricular opportunities, volunteering, and industry projects — all while developing confidence, resilience, and a clear vision for her future. From designing solutions with industry partners to winning the Jack Petchey Award for Continuous Service, Zainab’s story highlights the power of hard work, curiosity, and making the most of every opportunity.

Zainab also reflects honestly on balancing a demanding timetable, learning when to say “yes” — and when to slow down — and how stepping outside of her comfort zone helped her grow into a confident young engineer. With dreams of using engineering to help people through healthcare, robotics, and sustainability, her passion for making a difference is truly inspiring. This episode is a wonderful reminder that confidence grows through experience, opportunities are there for the taking, and believing in yourself can lead to incredible things 😊

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