For many, a career in machinery and engineering is a lifelong goalâbut for Esther, it wasnât originally part of the plan. What started as a part-time job soon turned into a passion, as she found herself captivated by the industryâs niche nature and the strong bonds she formed with colleagues.
“It wasnât something I ever saw myself doing,” she admits. “But after working here for a while, I grew really fond of it. Itâs such a unique industry, and that made it exciting for me.”
Finding Passion in a Niche Industry
One of the things she loves most about her role is the variety it brings. No two customers are the same, and every day presents something new to tackle.
“It never feels repetitive. Thereâs always something different happening, whether itâs a new project, a new client, or a fresh challenge to solve,” she explains.
But if she had to pick the most exciting project sheâs worked on so far, it would undoubtedly be the companyâs rebrand from Dairy Bits to Parts Station.
“Overseeing such a huge transition was incredible. It was about more than just a name changeâit was about positioning ourselves for future growth. Seeing that transformation unfold was so rewarding.”
Growth, Confidence, and Career Evolution
Since stepping into the industry, Esther has experienced significant personal and professional growth.
“Iâve learnt so much, not just in terms of industry knowledge but also in my own development. My confidence and independence in my role have grown tremendously. Thatâs why I decided to take on the Chartered Management degree alongside my jobâI want to keep pushing myself to develop further.”
One of the skills sheâs most proud of is her ability to engage with peopleâespecially in situations where sheâs not an expert.
“I was never particularly shy, but discussing topics I wasnât well-versed in used to be intimidating. Over time, Iâve built confidence in having those conversations, and thatâs been a huge step for me.”
Beyond her own development, sheâs also witnessed how working in this industry has shaped her approach to challenges. Whether at work, in university, or in everyday life, the resilience sheâs built has carried over into all aspects of her journey.
Breaking Barriers and Leading with Confidence
Working in a traditionally male-dominated field can come with its challenges, but for Esther, itâs been a motivating force rather than a setback.
“It can be tough, especially when youâre surrounded by people with years of experience. But Iâve found that everyone is so supportive and willing to help. My colleagues genuinely want me to succeed, and thatâs made all the difference.”
The best career advice sheâs ever received? “Be a fighter.”
“There will always be difficult customers and tough situations, but you just have to push through and keep doing your best,” she says.
A Team-Driven Workplace Culture
One of the standout aspects of working at Machinery World, she notes, is the close-knit team dynamic.
“I love working in a small business because thereâs such a personal touch. We all know each other well, and we work together in a way that really makes a difference. When youâre part of a smaller team, you can see the impact of your own contributions, and thatâs so rewarding.”
The workplace culture, in a word? “Positive.”
“Everyone here is supportive. Itâs such a great environment where people genuinely want to see each other succeed.”
And if thereâs one surprising thing about the industry that most people wouldnât expect, itâs how many companies are family-run.
“A lot of businesses in this industry have been passed down through generations. Thereâs something really special about thatâit gives the industry a real sense of heritage and continuity.”
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on her proudest achievement so far, she points to the transformation of Parts Station.
“Weâve changed so much as a company. I started by organising the stores, and now weâve expanded, rebranded, and set ourselves up for future growth. Seeing that evolution has been amazing.”
As for what excites her most about the industryâs future?
“Itâs never going to be a dying industry. Thereâs always innovation happening, and I love that we get to grow alongside it.”
And when success comesâwhether personal or shared with her colleaguesâthereâs always a way to celebrate.
“Usually with a cocktail!” she laughs. “But honestly, everyone here is always so ready to congratulate each other. Itâs such a positive, uplifting environment.”
With a strong passion for her work, a drive for continuous learning, and an unwavering enthusiasm for the industry, Esther is not just thriving in her roleâsheâs shaping the future of engineering in her own unique way.




















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