Our Early Careers team were proud to be part of the Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) event at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe yesterday.
With 26 schools attending during the day and a packed auditorium in the evening, it was inspiring to see so many young women and girls excited about the career opportunities waiting for them in our industry.
We spoke with some of our fantastic female colleagues about why representation matters.
Lisa Westfield, Departmental Planning Engineer at Scunthorpe Rail and Section Mill, said: “When I did my apprenticeship, I was the only girl in a group of 30. There wasn’t even a toilet or a changing room for me back then. This is why I think it’s important to spread the word that it’s not just a man’s job.”
When asked what advice she would give to young women and girls considering the industry, Lisa said: “I would say, certainly get out there and have a go; it’s for everybody and you’ll really enjoy it.
“I’ve always enjoyed my job. I don’t go to bed on a Sunday night thinking, ‘Oh no, I have work tomorrow’. I look forward to coming in every week.”
Rebecca Harding, Integrity Engineer, added: “It’s important to show young women and girls that they can get into this male-dominated industry too, because jobs don’t have a gender. It’s for everyone.
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can do. Do what makes you happy and do what you’re good at.”
We also caught up with WiME Chairperson Kirsty Clode, who spoke about how the initiative began and how it has helped girls and women for over 10 years.
She said: “We’ve been running this event for 10 years, and we make sure to include women of all ages. You can see the spark light up in the younger girls at these events, because they think only their dad or brother or uncle can do it, and once they see a woman doing it, they suddenly think, I can do that too.
“It’s difficult to be what you can’t see.”