Community-youth, Youth

Woman in Aviation – Celest at Turbine Overhaul Services

26 Jul 2023
Text by: Celest Teo, NUS Aviation Club

This summer, I was privileged to have been given the opportunity to work as an intern at Pratt & Whitney (P&W) – Turbine Overhaul Services (TOS). As a finance intern, my experience extended beyond finance controls, providing me valuable insights into the aviation industry and the company’s rich history. Prior to the internship, I had the perception that Pratt and Whitney solely specialised in manufacturing operations. However, through my time there, I realised that they are actively involved in maintenance, repair, and overhaul as well, which is the primary focus of my site.

A noteworthy addition would be the introduction to the geared turbofan (GTF), an advanced engine by P&W that significantly enhances efficiency while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise. The GTF powers aircraft like the A320neo, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainability and cost reduction. Nowadays, when I fly onboard an aircraft or plane-spot, I find myself instinctively scanning for the presence of P&W engines, appreciating the impact of our contributions.

A highlight during my internship was the opportunity to participate in Intern Connect, an inaugural orientation program organised by the P&W HR Department. This program gathered 50 interns from five different Pratt & Whitney sites—Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC), Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions (PWCS), Pratt & Whitney Manufacturing Company Singapore (PWMS), Eagle Services Asia (ESA), and TOS. This engaging experience not only allowed me to build connections with engineering students on industrial attachment from ESA but also granted me the opportunity to explore the shop floors of PWCS and ESA. Eager to understand the tasks undertaken by my fellow interns, I asked numerous questions to gain insights into their work processes. Visiting the shop floor and witnessing millions of engine parts and operations firsthand provided me with a deeper understanding of the processes and terminologies encountered in my office work.

50 interns across 5 Pratt & Whitney sites gathering at PWCS through Intern Connect

During the course of my internship, I also had the privilege of meeting Mr. Richard Wong, who holds the esteemed positions of General Manager at TOS and Vice President at Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore (AAIS). I engaged in a fruitful discussion with him regarding my internship experience, and explored potential collaboration opportunities between NUS Aviation Club and P&W in the future.

Photo with Mr Richard Wong, General Manager of TOS and Vice President of AAIS

I am immensely grateful for this internship experience at TOS, as it has enabled me to enhance both my soft and technical skills within an industry that I am truly passionate about. Despite the early mornings and the lengthy commute from the East to my office in Tuas, I have no regrets about undertaking this internship and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. It has also broadened my horizons on the numerous opportunities available in the aviation industry.

Through my experience, I hope to inspire more females to join the aviation industry too!