Redefining Engineers:

Meet the women who found an exciting
new career path in radar engineering
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Three women. Zero engineering backgrounds. One extraordinary career switch.

What do a former dental nurse, languages graduate, and bin lorry crew member have in common? They’re all now trainee radar engineers – and loving every second of their new careers.

At Serco, we’ve supported the UK’s Air Defence radar network for nearly 20 years, operating five remote radar heads across the country:
  • Benbecula, Western Scotland
  • Brizlee Wood, Northumberland
  • Buchan, Eastern Scotland
  • Neatishead, Norfolk
  • Saxa Vord, Shetland Isles

These radar stations require regular servicing and expert maintenance – but recruiting experienced engineers in remote communities can be challenging. That’s why we created a bespoke trainee programme: to train locals and career-changers with no prior engineering experience.

The result? A new generation of radar engineers with diverse backgrounds, strong local ties, and limitless potential.
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A new path into radar engineering

Our trainee programme is designed for people who want to learn new skills and build a long-term technical career – no engineering background required.

The programme includes:
  • A two-year BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Engineering
  • Specialist radar engineering training
  • Hands-on mentoring and technical experience
  • A full-time, salaried role while you learn

Let’s meet the people behind the radars.

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Koren’s Story: “I’m capable of so much more than I thought.”

Radar Site: Buchan, Eastern Scotland

From working with horses to pulling pints, and even collecting bins – Koren has tried it all. One day, while scrolling online job ads during a lunch break in the lorry, she spotted something unexpected: Trainee Radar Engineer.

“I was overwhelmed when I got the call. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
What we offer
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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Now 18 months in, Koren is thriving. She's learning to handle tools, read radar components, and understand radar theory through hands-on training.

“I really, really like this job. The people I work with are fantastic. It’s great being able to build my technical skills in a such a positive atmosphere. The team here provide a safe space, because sometimes you need to make mistakes to learn.

“Alongside the coursework to learn the radar theory, I’m also learning how to use different tools and working with radar components. Building flat pack furniture is the most I ever used tools at home!

“I’m also learning about myself in this job too. I’m capable of so much more than I thought I was.”
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"It’s great being able to build my technical skills in a such a positive atmosphere. The team here provide a safe space, because sometimes you need to make mistakes to learn."

Koren
Trainee Radar Engineer
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Megan’s Story: “It’s good to use my brain – and stay close to home.”

Radar Site: Benbecula, Western Scotland

Megan studied languages at university before returning home to work in a bank. After travelling around Australia and New Zealand, she wanted something different – something practical, challenging, and close to her roots.

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“The role sounded really interesting, and completely different to anything I’d ever done before,” Megan said. “It’s the first job I’ve done which is really practical. We’ve been encouraged to be hands-on from the start, doing everything from perimeter site checks to servicing the radar (with supervision of course)."

"It’s been a huge learning curve, but it’s good to be in a job where you’re earning a qualification (and really using your brain!).”
What we offer
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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Balancing theory with hands-on learning, Megan is thriving in a role that combines brainpower, teamwork, and technical challenge – all within walking distance of home.

“When I was away, I missed the quiet life and the sense of community here. Now I’m building a career I never expected – in a place I love.”
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"It’s the first job I’ve done which is really practical. We’ve been encouraged to be hands-on from the start, doing everything from perimeter site checks to servicing the radar."

Megan
Trainee Radar Engineer

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Kate’s Story: “From the NHS to the radome – my skills carried across perfectly.”

Radar Site: Benbecula, Western Scotland

After 16 years as an NHS dental nurse – and supporting the COVID-19 response – Kate was ready for a new direction. The radar engineer role caught her eye, blending her interest in computer science and hands-on mechanical skills from life on the croft.
What we offer
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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For Billy Bennett, Deputy Head of Facilities Management (FM) at Serco-run prison HMP Fosse Way, balancing a demanding career in prison maintenance with a passion for football is just part of his daily routine. 

“I’m quite confident in my abilities, so I’ll happily go up onto the radar with tools and complete a task. I love it. The first day I was in the radome, seeing how things work. I didn’t expect the radar components to be so large and heavy, and they can be quite awkward to move when you’re up high in the air.” 
Her attention to detail and process-driven mindset has transferred seamlessly from the NHS.

“In healthcare, we constantly double-checked records and processes. Now, I’m checking systems and recognising patterns. Those skills carry across perfectly.”

Kate has already passed her first three modules with distinction – and is just getting started.

Looking for a career you didn’t expect?

We’re always looking for curious, capable people ready to try something new – especially in communities near our radar sites. You don’t need engineering experience. Just the drive to learn and the willingness to try.

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