November 4, 2014

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week: Asha Harper, Footwear Production Engineer, Dr. Marten’s

We bring our second interview to celebrate Tomorrow’s Engineers Week taking place from 3rd-7th November 2014 with Asha Harper at Dr. Marten’s.

Asha Harper, 24, is a Footwear Production Engineer at the Dr. Martens’ Northamptonshire site and one of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week’s ‘everyday engineering heroes’. She undertook an apprenticeship when joining Dr. Martens which saw her working all over the factory, mastering each step needed to make the boots. Her career highlights include meeting the Deputy Prime Minister and talking through a shoe she designed and helped to make.

Can you explain what you do as an engineer?

As a Footwear Production Engineer, I oversee the production of the Dr. Martens boots from start to finish. During my apprenticeship, I worked closely with senior members of the team to carry out numerous operations and to make sure I’m making the boots correctly.

In the first year of my apprenticeship, I spent three months in each of the four main rooms used to make the various parts of the shoe. Each department requires a specialised set of skills and so working all over the factory means I have a broader skillset.

It’s really important that my work is constantly created to a high standard as the brand is iconic and has a good reputation for creating strong, reliable boots.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is being able to produce a shoe from start to finish. Even more rewarding, is seeing the products I helped to make in high street stores across the UK.

Another great benefit of my job is telling our customers what I do and how the Dr. Martens products are produced in our ‘Made in England’ range. It’s an honour to work for a brand such as Dr. Martens and to be part of Britain’s fashion manufacturing industry.

What’s been the highlight of your career?

Talking to the Deputy Prime Minster about a shoe I designed and help make when I first joined Dr. Martens. That was surreal. I’m hoping to meet him again!

What are the everyday things you do as part of your job?

I help out across all departments so no day is the same, which makes my job really fun and also serves as a refresher to help maintain the skills I’ve learned previously.  I’m also involved with smaller projects, like prepping the factory and it’s components for special events.

I also created the @DrMartens_Apprenticeship account on Instagram which, as it currently stands, has over 5000 followers! I run the account in my free time.

A certain part of my week is allocated to completing my coursework for my apprenticeship too. This covers the theory behind being a Footwear Production Engineer. Every day brings a new challenge, and with that, new solutions.

How did you become an engineer?

I’ve always loved shoes and so I applied for the Dr. Martens footwear production apprenticeship. Thankfully, I got a position and once I completed my apprenticeship, I became a Footwear Production Engineer.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become an engineer?

It’s good to firstly understand and familiarise yourself with the specific field that you want to get into. Also, think outside the box and take risks. Lots of engineering careers are all around us, without us even knowing. Lastly, be consistent, passionate and the kind of person you would want to hire.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’ve recently started long distance running, which keeps my mind and body active. I enjoy going to gigs too, spending time with my friends and family, going out for dinner and being creative.

To find out more about Tomorrow’s Engineers Week visit their website here: http://www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/TEWeek/

Follow them on Twitter: @Tomorrows_Eng