Rachael Hoyle — 150 year interview

Rachael Hoyle believes legendary toolmaker Sir Joseph Whitworth used his core skills to make the world a better place. Modern day engineers, she says, should aspire to do the same.

Hoyle, a scholar since 2013, did her apprenticeship at BAE Systems and decided to study further because she craved knowledge about the engineering industry. The firm supported her and, over the years, she has used her background in mechanical engineering to move into a project management role at the company.

When Hoyle discovered the Whitworth Scholarship she felt inspired by Sir Joseph's life. She saw him as someone who may have been an "abrupt and direct character", but also a man whose intentions were always to advance engineering. In her eyes, Whitworth had the right idea: to merge the spheres of practical experience and theoretical learning.

"Having an understanding of the practicalities of how engineering works, and then being able to apply the theory in an academic approach, gives a different perspective to problem solving — diversifying how we approach engineering challenges."