International Women in Engineering Day 2026 – Q&A with Aurelia Pana – CAD Technician

Career & Role

1.  How would you describe your role as a CAD Technician in simple terms to someone outside of engineering?

CAD is all about turning a concept into something realistic. This could be either a detailed digital drawing or a 3D models that show exactly how something should be built or made.

2.  What does a typical day at Trench look like for you?  

In our technical department, priorities are clearly defined, which helps me plan my day effectively. We usually get a heads-up on larger projects, giving us enough time to prepare and manage our workload properly. As a result, work is well organised, deadlines are easier to meet, and stress levels are kept to a minimum. That's something I genuinely value in a workplace

3.  What’s the most interesting or complex project you’ve worked on recently?

I've only been with Trench for about a year, so I haven't had the opportunity to work on a large number of projects yet. However, one of the most interesting projects I've worked on so far was a cable management system for the outer perimeter of a prison. It was quite different from anything I had worked on previously, which meant there was a learning curve and several challenges to overcome along the way. That said, I found the project both interesting and rewarding, and it was very satisfying to see the final result and know that I had contributed to its success

4.  What tools or software do you use most, and what makes them essential to your work?

I mainly use SolidWorks and Radan. SolidWorks is my primary tool for 3D modelling and producing detailed manufacturing drawings, while Radan is used for CNC programming. These tools are essential because they enable me to support the entire process, from creating accurate designs to ensuring parts can be manufactured efficiently and to specification

5.  What’s one misconception people have about CAD or engineering design work?

I think many people assume CAD work is just about creating drawings, but there's a lot of engineering thought behind it. Every design decision has to consider factors such as manufacturability, cost, functionality, and safety. The CAD software helps creating the models, but you truly must understand how those designs will work in practice.

Journey into Engineering

6.  How did you first get into engineering or CAD design?

I grew up in a family of nine, and several of my brothers work in engineering. Watching them build successful careers naturally influenced me and made me curious about the field. As I learned more about the different engineering disciplines, I discovered that product design and manufacturing interested me the most. I liked the idea of creating something tangible and being involved in the process from design through to production, which is what led me into CAD design.

7.  Was this a career path you always planned, or did it happen unexpectedly?

It wasn't something I planned from the beginning, but engineering was always around me growing up, so it felt like a natural direction to take. Looking back, I'm very happy I went down this path

8.  What skills or experiences helped you the most when starting out?

When I was starting out, being willing to learn was probably the biggest factor. I didn't know everything, but I was always prepared to ask questions and learn from others. Attention to detail was also important because even small mistakes in drawings can have a big impact. Over time, gaining experience with manufacturing processes and understanding how designs are actually made helped me become much more confident in my role

9.  If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about having everything figured out from the start. Focus on learning, gaining experience, and taking opportunities when they come along. Skills and confidence develop over time so stay curious and keep learning.

Women in Engineering

10. What has your experience been like as a woman working in engineering?

It hasn't always been easy. At times, I felt that I had to work harder to have my voice heard and to prove myself in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry. However, those experiences helped me build confidence, resilience, and trust in my own abilities.

Over time, I've found that demonstrating competence, consistency, and a strong work ethic earns respect and recognition

11. What changes would you like to see in the industry to encourage more women into engineering roles?

I haven't really thought about it much, but I think it's important to encourage more women to give engineering a chance. My advice would be not to be afraid to try it, because you might enjoy it more than you think. Sometimes people have misconceptions about engineering, so raising awareness of the different career opportunities available could help attract more women to the field

Fun Questions

12. What’s your go-to snack or drink when you’re deep in a CAD design “zone”?

Hmmm I’m not very snack-ish, but Tangy Cheese Doritos would probably be my go-to choice

13. If your job had a theme song, what would it be?

Definitely Queen, "Don't Stop Me Now" because when I'm in the middle of a design and everything is flowing, I can get completely absorbed in the work

14.  If you weren’t a CAD Technician, what completely random job could you see yourself doing?

A hairdresser, definitely. I'm surprisingly good at getting everyone else's hair looking great for parties and special occasions—just don't ask me to do my own. Apparently, my CAD skills are better than my mirror skills!

15. Quick fire: coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl? Laptop or pen and paper?

Coffee, early bird, pen and paper

16. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you outside of work?

I used to spend a lot of time roller skating and was always trying to learn new tricks. Recently, I managed to learn a heel-toe manual on my inline skates, and now I'm working up the courage to tackle the ramps. Hopefully, that'll be my next achievement!

17. Football team (or any other sport - F1, Tennis, Rugby, Cricket/team you support) / Team you are supporting in the World Cup?

Sorry…I follow basketball more than I do football.

Closing

18. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering today?

Don't be afraid to give it a try. Engineering offers a wide range of opportunities, and you might enjoy it far more than you expect. There will always be challenges when starting something new, but if you're willing to learn, ask questions, and believe in your abilities, it can be a very rewarding career. Most importantly, don't let the fact that it's traditionally a male-dominated industry put you off—your skills, ideas, and contributions are just as valuable as anyone else's.

19.  One thing you enjoy about working at Trench?

One thing I really enjoy about working at Trench is how well organised everything is. The clear communication and structured approach make it easier to plan and manage workloads effectively. I'm also fortunate to have an excellent manager who is always supportive and approachable. No matter how busy his schedule is, he always makes time to offer guidance, answer questions, and help the team whenever needed. That level of support creates a positive working environment and makes a real difference day to day.