#INWED 2026: Amy Johnson’s inspiring journey from IT apprentice to robotics lead

For International Women in Engineering Day 2026, we’re celebrating the next generation of engineering talent.

We sat down with Amy Johnson to talk about her inspiring journey from IT apprentice to heading up our automation and robotics division and to begin a Degree Apprenticeship in Embedded Electronics Engineering.

Her story is a reminder that engineering careers rarely follow a straight line, and that some of the best opportunities are the ones that push you outside your comfort zone.

Let’s begin by hearing more about your journey at Amphenol so far.

When I first joined Amphenol, I’d just completed my IT apprenticeship and moved into a full-time role within the IT team. At that point, I’d already started supporting some early automation work, but it was still very much in its infancy.

Since then, things have evolved significantly. I’m now moving into a dedicated automation role and in September I’ll begin a Degree Apprenticeship in Embedded Electronics Engineering at the University of Greenwich.

It probably isn’t the career path people would expect, but that’s what makes it exciting. At first, moving away from IT felt daunting because I’d built something solid in that team and suddenly found myself learning something completely new.

There were knowledge gaps and plenty of moments where I was aware that I was starting from scratch, but often the opportunities that make you uncomfortable are the ones that help you grow the most.

What really appealed to me was that Amphenol’s automation journey is still developing. It’s exciting to be involved from the beginning and help shape decisions and processes that could influence the future of the business.

What does automation actually look like at Amphenol?

People often think automation is purely about speed, but for us it’s just as much about quality and consistency.

We work in an industry where many processes are still highly manual, which can lead to variation in outcomes. Many of the automation projects we’re exploring are focused on improving quality, consistency and reliability, rather than increasing efficiency alone.

Because of where our products are used, whether that’s in aircraft or other critical applications, quality has to come first.

The role itself is incredibly cross-functional too. Depending on the project, I might be working with manufacturing engineers, shop floor operators, managers or the IT team. Automation affects the whole business, so understanding how different departments connect is really important.

And yes, it is a bit like IT in some ways. You’re still solving problems and helping people across the business, except now I get to do it with robots, which is definitely cooler.

What first sparked your interest in engineering and technology?

Before joining Amphenol, I worked in retail and was looking for a long-term career path. I’d previously been to university but wasn’t able to complete my course, although I always knew I enjoyed learning and wanted to keep developing myself.

When I found the IT apprenticeship at Amphenol, it felt like the right fit. I was very honest that I didn’t have a huge amount of technical knowledge at the time, but I was willing to learn and the team supported me throughout the apprenticeship and beyond.

Not long after joining, I was asked whether I’d be interested in learning how to program robots as the business wanted to build those skills internally. What started as supporting projects from a programming perspective gradually grew into something much bigger.

Now, I’m involved in decisions around technologies, robotic layouts, process design, PLC programming and the electrical side of automation too. I’ve been lucky to work alongside people who are happy to share their knowledge because I always want to understand not just what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering or STEM?

Just go for it. My journey shows there isn’t one fixed route into engineering. I didn’t come from an engineering background, and I certainly didn’t imagine I’d end up working in robotics and automation. I started in IT, kept learning, and took opportunities when they appeared.

Engineering is not one-size-fits-all. There are so many different routes into it, and it’s incredibly rewarding when you find the area that suits you. If you’re curious, enjoy problem-solving and are willing to learn, there’s absolutely a place for you.

Amy’s brilliant journey highlights just how varied engineering careers can be. From IT apprentice to automation engineer, her progression is proof that with curiosity, support and a willingness to keep learning, opportunities can emerge from unexpected places.

For young women considering a future in STEM, it’s an encouraging reminder that there is no single path into engineering, only the one that works for you.