Lauren Hutchinson

About me

I was born/grew up in:  Victoria, BC,

I now live in: Victoria, BC, 

I completed my training/education at: Camosun College – Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma

What I do at work

My day consists mainly of engaging with the students as they work on their projects. This could include a variety of tasks depending on the needs of the day.

I work in and around a large assortment of machines and tools special to my trade. The machine lab contains a variety of specialized tools. This includes both manual and automatic mills/lathes, laser cutters for plastics and woods, as well as welding equipment. There are also 3D printers, an injection molding machine, and many other manual tools.

Students will come up to ask for help with finding tools or in setting up one of the machines. They may also need help in learning how to perform certain machining operations. I, and the other lab tech, will work with the students to answer all of their questions. We make sure that they learn to use the various tools properly. We also make sure the equipment is available to them.

My career path is

The thought of any sort of engineering was far from my mind throughout high school. When I graduated, I was an honours roll student focusing on Literature and History. I travelled and worked abroad in a variety of jobs.  I was a social media manager for an online marketing company in Africa. I taught English in Austria. I also co-founded a company that provided social media, layout, design and website creation services.

It wasn’t until I was a bit older that I realized my passion for design, and my natural curiosity for how things worked was a great blend for a career in engineering. Having grown up with a supportive family, I never experienced any fears entering into a ‘male dominated’ field. I understood that it was only my own work ethic and abilities that would keep me from achieving the goals I set for myself. Now I am a Mechanical Engineering Technician, and on my way to getting my degree in the field.

I am motivated by

Engineering, especially mechanical engineering, is all about having a natural curiosity for learning. At my job, I am constantly learning and exploring new ways to design, machine, and manufacture. I love how this job allows me the freedom to train myself on the equipment. I do this through small independent projects that I take on. Most recently I volunteered to laser cut a selection of cabinet doors for local middle schools around the island.

On a larger scale, engineering simply excites me! I am passionate about where I will go with my career. This includes the things that I will get the work on and the people I will work with. I love being involved in youth outreach. I enjoy working and engaging with young students to get them interested in this field. Some highlights have been:

-Participating in introductory engineering classes offered to high school students

-Speaking to a large group of young female students about engineering

This past year I was honored to have been featured in Camosun College’s International Women’s Day campaign. 

How I affect peoples’ lives

The joy of my current position is being part of the experience as students design and build their amazing projects. Having been in their shoes, I understand the stress and chaos of a project semester! As a result, I try to encourage and facilitate productive and efficient machining methods.

I also use the skills I’ve gained and the access to the machine shop to take on side projects.

Outside of work I

In my spare time (when I can find it), I am usually found refinishing old furniture I’ve found, reading, watching TV, or hanging out outside.

My advice to others

Go for it! The engineering field holds limitless possibilities. I firmly believe that we are only ever held back by the bounds of our imagination…and physics.