From Cameroon to South Shields, Denise sparks a successful career

A hospital ship has helped Cameroonian-born Denise Ngum fulfil her long-held ambition of becoming a maritime electrician, leading her to train at the world-class South Shields Marine School.

- by Gazette Reporter

Electrical Technical Officer Denise Noum studied at South Shields Marine School.

Now working as a Third Electrical Technical Officer with Explora Journey cruise ships, Denise's journey began in 2016 after graduating from the College of Technology in Buea, Cameroon, where she was one of just seven women in a class of 45.

Despite completing her studies, Denise struggled to find employment due to a lack of hands-on experience.

"I hoped to get an internship because I wanted to get hands-on skills, but the internships available were mostly theoretical," she said.

"I decided I had to gain a skill that could help me afford my basic needs, so I learnt sewing at a women's empowerment centre.

"I bought a sewing machine and started making clothes."

Determined to make use of her qualification, she also returned to her former secondary school to teach electrical skills.

"My previous teachers were very happy to have seen me graduate and then come back as a teacher so they gladly gave me that opportunity," she said.

"I was the first female electrical teacher in the college at the time."

In 2017, Denise learned that Mercy Ships, a charity providing life-changing surgeries on board its hospital ships, would be visiting Cameroon.

A single electrical position was open on the day crew team, but she initially hesitated to apply.