
Meet Rebekah Garfit, a Service Engineer at Marlowe Fire & Security
What inspired you to become a woman in engineering?
My journey into engineering began purely out of curiosity. I stumbled upon this field without any prior knowledge of its existence or what it entailed. With my usual hands-on approach to new tasks, I decided to give it a go, thinking that even if I failed, I would still learn something valuable along the way.Coming from a family and circle of friends with no ties to this industry, I had no role models or mentors to guide me. Yet, this lack of representation only fuelled my determination. Now, as the first in my family to venture into engineering, I take pride in inspiring those around me to explore and embrace new challenges.
Were there any challenges that you had to overcome?
Yes, balancing motherhood with returning to full-time employment was a significant challenge. Initially, I felt completely out of my depth and comfort zone. There were many moments spent in the van, questioning if I had chosen the right career path.
However, persistence and a willingness to learn kept me moving forward. Each challenge became a lesson, and the thought of who I was doing it for – my family and myself – provided the motivation to continue. It’s this determination that helped me overcome the hurdles and find my place in the engineering world.



How has Marlowe Fire & Security supported you in your career?
At Marlowe Fire & Security, I’ve always felt a strong sense of belonging. They provide the flexibility I need to balance work and home life. As the default parent, I’m often the first point of contact if something happens with my son. Marlowe understands this and allows me to wrap up my work and switch to ‘mom mode’ when necessary.
Beyond my role as a mother, Marlowe has also supported my passion for mental health. As a Mental Health Champion, I am committed to helping others and being a support system in times of need. From personal experience, I understand the importance of having someone to turn to during difficult times. Being in this role fills me with pride, knowing I can be the person I needed when I was at my lowest and ensure that no one has to suffer in silence.
What is the best thing about being an engineer?
The best part of being an engineer is the impression I leave on-site. In a heavily male-dominated industry, I’ve established my place and intend to stay. Beyond the professional satisfaction, the highlight of my day is coming home to my wonderful and amazing son, who always tells me how proud he is of me.
Additionally, my van, affectionately nicknamed the “Mum Mobile,” gives me a superhero-like feeling. It’s a constant reminder of the dual roles I embrace and excel in every day, balancing my career and motherhood with pride and determination.

What’s your message for young women consider a career in engineering?
Absolutely, give it a go! There is space for us wherever we want to be. My journey began in retail after studying Fashion and Design in college, and I even participated in well-known beauty pageants. Never did I imagine I’d be in engineering years later.
With the right company, you can find incredible support. The satisfaction of coming home, knowing you’ve done a good job and made a positive impression, is unmatched. Embrace the challenge, and remember, there is always room for you in this field.
If you’re interested in joining our team, head to our careers page here.