Having first encountered The Smallpeice Trust before university, when she was awarded a course and an A-level prize that inspired her to pursue an engineering-related degree, Naomi’s connection with the charity spans many years. After beginning her career with Smallpeice Enterprises, the Trust’s commercial arm at the time, and spending much of her career in education and apprenticeships, she returned to The Smallpeice Trust in January 2026. Passionate about helping young people discover opportunities in STEM, Naomi reflects on her journey with the Trust and what its mission means to her. Here’s her story.
When did you first join the Smallpeice Trust, and what drew you to it?
My journey with Smallpeice started rather a long time ago. Before I went to university, I was awarded a course with Smallpeice and a prize for one of my A-levels and, although I didn’t end up going on the course itself, my involvement with Smallpeice did inspire me to apply for a degree that was more engineering related.
I then went off to university to do a Bachelor of Science in Design Technology and Business. After that, I worked in Devon for a while because I was at Plymouth University. When I came back, my friend told me about a role at Smallpeice Enterprises, which was the commercial arm of the Trust at the time. My now husband, then boyfriend, relocated back to Leamington and within a few hours of being back in Leamington, I had done my second interview with Enterprises and the rest, as they say, is history. I worked there for two or three years, I think it was. Then I’ve been through education and apprenticeships for the rest of my career. In December last year, I saw a role at the Trust and joined in January.
What are you most proud of as we celebrate 60 years?
I’m most proud of my long-standing connection with Smallpeice. My journey started before university when I was awarded a course and a prize for one of my A-levels, which inspired me to pursue a more engineering-related degree. Later, I joined Smallpeice Enterprises and, after spending the rest of my career in education and apprenticeships, I was delighted to return to the Trust in January.
Can you share a moment or experience that captures what The Smallpeice Trust is all about for you?
Before going to university, I was awarded a course with Smallpeice and a prize for one of my A-levels. Although I didn’t end up going on the course itself, my involvement with Smallpeice inspired me to apply for a degree that was more engineering related. Years later, when I returned to Leamington, my friend told me about a role at Smallpeice Enterprises. Within a few hours of being back, I had completed my second interview and the rest, as they say, is history. After working in education and apprenticeships for the rest of my career, I saw a role at the Trust in December last year and joined in January.
Naomi is proud to be part of a charity that has played a role throughout her own journey, from inspiring her engineering ambitions before university to welcoming her back to the Trust many years later. As The Smallpeice Trust celebrates 60 years, she looks forward to helping continue its mission of opening doors for young people and building a brighter future for the next generation of engineers, innovators and changemakers.
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