A Coleg Menai student, Katie Jones, has been recognised by the Sea Cadets after she put her engineering skills into practical use.

Ms Jones will start studying Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 2 at Coleg Menai Llangefni campus in September, following her recent completion of Engineering Craft Level 1.

The 17-year-old, who has dreams of becoming a marine engineer in the Royal Navy, used her skills to help ex-Navy engineers service her unit’s boats at her local Sea Cadets unit in Holyhead.

She hopes to follow in the footsteps of her dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather who all worked as engineers.

Following her effort and technical prowess, Ms Jones was presented with a coveted 1st class badge in marine engineering.

This unexpected opportunity sprang up shortly after she moved from new entry to cadet.

Her commanding officer, acknowledging her background and skills, extended an invitation for her to help out with the maintenance.

The young cadet recalled the event saying: "My commanding officer informed me that three ex-Naval engineers were coming down to the unit to perform maintenance on our boats.

"He asked if I would like to volunteer in assisting them, which I did."

Coleg Menai student Katie Jones being presented with her 1st class badge in marine engineering at Sea Cadets  (Image: Coleg Menai)

Ms Jones and the experienced engineers teamed up to overhaul the starter motor, carburettor, oil filter and spark plugs on two boats, in addition to replacing the battery on one of the vessels.

The engineers, including a commanding officer from another unit, quizzed Ms Jones with a series of questions.

READ MORE:

The entire exercise ended with Ms Jones achieving 98 per cent and meaning she could be presented with the marine engineering badge.

Reflecting on her achievement, Ms Jones said: "I was thankful for the long hours I've spent in the library studying, researching and filing out my worksheets.

"Also, shout out to my course tutors Neil Hughes and Llifon Jones who have given me learning materials to practise before I start the course in September.

"Without them, I doubt I would have had the answers for the instructor who bombarded me with questions!"