Dorothy Hatfield facts for kids

Dorothy Helen Hatfield is a famous aeronautical engineer. She was born in 1940. Dorothy made history as the first girl to become an engineering apprentice at a company called Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) in Brooklands.

Later, she became the President of the Women's Engineering Society. This group helps women who work in engineering. Dorothy also helped create two important awards: the Daphne Jackson Trust and the Lady Finniston Award. These awards support women studying engineering. In 2014, Dorothy Hatfield received an honor called an OBE for her great work in engineering.

Dorothy's Journey

Dorothy Hatfield finished school when she was 16 years old. She then applied to be an engineering apprentice at Vickers-Armstrongs. This was a big deal because she was the very first woman to get this type of job there!

She worked hard for six years. During this time, she also studied and earned a top degree in aeronautical engineering. This means she learned how to design and build airplanes.

After a break, Dorothy went back to work. She started working in the flight simulation industry. This industry creates special machines that help pilots practice flying. In 1962, she joined the Women's Engineering Society. She later became the president of this society in 1990. In 1996, she was also made a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. This is a special title for people who have done amazing things in aerospace.

Awards and Honors

Dorothy Hatfield has received several important awards. In 2007, she was given the Isabel Hardwich Medal. She earned this medal for all her hard work and dedication with the Women's Engineering Society.

See Also

• Janet Gulland was another pioneering woman. She became the first female graduate apprentice at Vickers-Armstrongs in 1958.