Elena is breaking down barriers in engineering

AN aspiring engineer is breaking down barriers for other disabled people who don't think they can pursue it as a career. Elena Brake used to be an artist but had to consider other options because of the physical nature of her work.

- LORNA HUGHES

She realised engineering was an area where she could use her creativity, problem solving skills and passion for coming up with innovative ideas. She attended an open day at the University of Plymouth and hasn't looked back winning a coveted scholarship and speaking out to encourage those less likely to go into the profession.

Elena has shared her story as part of UK Disability History Month, which focuses on the historical and ongoing work towards equality for disabled people. Women currently make up 15.7% of the UK engineering workforce, and disabled people just 11% of it.

She said: "I did all arts-based A Levels. And after graduating I was working as a practising artist and an art technician. I loved my job, but it was very physical and as my disability began to restrict me more, I began looking for something different that relied less on my body but still allowed me to be creative.

"Coupled with really enjoying the more complex things I was trying to make as an artist, I began to realise that engineering might be a good path to explore. My dad is an engineer, and I always called him when I couldn't work out how to make something happen. He always had the answers!