Recruitment
“Growing up, Barbie-loving Marnie McKay never played with construction toys and after spending time with NASA and science experts, she was inspired to pursue a career in engineering and discovered that gender is not a barrier to success.
Joining Atkins, Marnie started a Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Apprenticeship – one of just four females on a course of 30 – and is also studying for a Master’s in computer science at the same time and alongside her day job.
Although the youngest in the team, Marnie is recognised as an innovator, particularly with respect to rail digital transformation. Known for her adaptability, innovative thinking and unique skills in exploring, communicating and explaining complex subjects, Marnie is often called upon to support challenging project requirements and present findings/solutions to clients including the Welsh Government. She is currently developing simulation models for new or extended rail/tram lines, trialling and reviewing code to automate set-up of model data and extract results.
Marnie co-chairs the Strategic Design Partnership's Early Careers Network, hosting numerous events, reaching more than 1,000 young professions from across the four partnership companies (Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald and WSP).
A UK Representative on the IET Global Young Professionals Committee, Marnie is Atkins' IET Professional Scheme Administrator, arranging in-house events, encouraging networking and distributing institution information.
Marnie is an enthusiastic volunteer for the IET. Highlights include giving a speech in the presence of HRH Princess Anne at the IET Savoy Place official opening, helping organise and hosting a session on sustainability at the 2020 Global Young Professionals Volunteering Conference in India and speaking about her journey as a woman in engineering at a virtual Malaysia Young Professionals event livestreamed on Facebook – at 01.00 UK time.
Marnie has also attended various industry networking events, including Young Rail Professionals and British Transport Police, to support her professional development and share lessons learnt.
A member of Atkins' EDI Transportation Steering Board, Marnie attends monthly meetings, playing a key role in shaping company policy and share best practice.
Marnie has mentored numerous individuals, groups and is currently mentoring a Year in Industry student. She presents at Atkins' Early Careers Inductions and taken part in various Q&A sessions.
A proud STEM ambassador, Marnie embraces every opportunity to encourage young people to consider a career in engineering. Maintaining contact with her school and university, hosting and presenting different STEM events and activities, Marnie has also mentored youngsters from deprived areas and represented Atkins at school mock interviews.
Named one of Electronics Weekly (EW) BrightSparks top 30 electronic engineers under 30, Marnie also publishes and features on social media and the IET website, in national newspapers and university publications.
Unassuming, approachable, knowledgeable, inquisitive and always willing to support others, Marnie is helping to change the perception of the rail industry, apprenticeships and attract the next generation.
“Marnie is an exceptional young engineer, with a passion for learning and is committed to producing high quality work. As well as developing her own knowledge and skills, she takes the time to mentor apprentices and other graduate engineers.
Marnie promotes innovation through rail digital transformation. She possesses adaptability, innovative thinking and unique skills in exploring, communicating and explaining complex subjects
She volunteers to support numerous technical and non-technical roles and events through the year, is undertaking her MSc and is studying an MSc in Computer Science as an Apprenticeship. I am immensely honoured to have Marnie in my team. Tony Fella – Principal Engineer - Traction Power Supply Systems and ETE, Atkins“
“Marnie is the perfect example of what it means to be an apprentice - she is adaptable, persistent, open to challenge, willing to reflect, able to positively communicate, willing to embrace uncertainty and try new things with no guarantee of immediate success. She has been an asset to the DA program here at the University of Bath and I am confident that she will continue to be an asset for whichever organisation is fortunate enough to retain her services.“
“I would like to compliment you on the very successful Awards night, very well organised, super food and I admire the amount of detail you have gone into with the little booklet and everything. The hall was very well suited for so many people.”
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