On International Women in Engineering Day today, we look at three former North East students who are making a name for themselves in the industry, and hear from one woman leading a call for better climate controls in construction.
With the latest figures showing that only 16.5% of engineers in the UK are women, it's clear that International Women in Engineering Day plays a vital role in persuading more young women that this is the right career for them.
Launched by the Women’s Engineering Society, the event celebrates its 10th year of promoting the work that women engineers across the globe are doing.
Here in the North East there are some perfect role models, including Anna Thompson, Charlotte Keenan and Nicola Lines, all of whom pursued their dream careers in engineering after attending Dame Allan’s Schools in Fenham, Newcastle.
Anna, a Civil Engineer who works as a Senior Planning Manager at Laing O'Rourke in Sydney, Australia, said: “Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, I love that my job in construction can provide public spaces that everyone can enjoy - my first project was the Eldon Square redevelopment, then the Metro Centre IMAX. I’ve also worked on bridges, tunnels and underground stations… I was so proud to show a recent project to construct an underground station to my daughter.
“I often surprise people who ask what I do for a living, who presumably don’t expect engineering to be a natural fit for a small woman. I’d like to see the stereotype disappear in the same way it has for other professions.”
Charlotte, an Aerospace Engineer with a Masters degree in human factors in aviation safety, added: “Being female isn’t relevant in engineering – you are as capable of being successful as any male engineer. One key thing I have learnt is to have the confidence to speak up for yourself, remember that you are as good as anyone around you, if not better.
"Try your best to gain access to programs that lets you see engineers in action and use the internet to see successful female engineers at work. The Institute of Mechanical Engineers, like many organisations, has lots of information available for you to see.”
Before taking on her Masters, Charlotte studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Liverpool. She was one of only 25% of her university course to pass on the first attempt, but has no regrets about her challenging choice of subject: “The key thing I would say to any person thinking of engineering is: if you like solving problems, especially those relating to science, you should seriously think of this area.
"Please remember engineering is a vast area and the roles and opportunities are diverse and varied.” Charlotte is a living example of this, currently working on engineering projects at UKAEA (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority).
She said: “I had some excellent teachers in my teenage years, in particular my Maths teacher at Dame Allan’s who did all he could to help me with tougher subjects. One thing I would highlight is to work in engineering you really have to be good at maths.”
Nicola works as a Structural Engineer in London, liaising with architects to design elegant and innovative buildings.
She said: “I love that my job is different every day. No structure is exactly the same, so with each project there is a new opportunity to problem solve and come up with new solutions, it's impossible to get bored! Due to the climate crisis, in which the construction industry is a large player, we are also at a very important point and need to come up with innovative methods to meet our Carbon Targets, where there is opportunity to really make a difference.”
Speaking about her female role models, Nicola spoke passionately about her Mum, Jenny: “I’m lucky to have her as such a great role model, she was a practising engineer and then actually worked as a Maths teacher at Dame Allan’s.
"Her enthusiasm in describing how Engineering fits into everything around us when I was young has inspired a lifelong interest in the subject.”
Nicola added: “For any girls who are considering a career in engineering, I’d say go for it! It is such a diverse career, with endless opportunities to keep you on your toes and engaged. Grab any industry experience you can, and be assertive and confident of your abilities.”
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools said: “At Dame Allan’s, we encourage all of our pupils to strive for excellence, regardless of outdated gender stereotypes. Seeing Anna, Charlotte and Nicola thrive in their engineering careers is a real inspiration for current pupils at our Girls’ School, and I wish to send my congratulations to each of them on their incredible achievements.”
Another outstanding example of how women can have a huge influence on engineering is Stockton-based Paula McMahon is chair of The Women’s Engineering Society climate emergency group.
She has signed an open letter to Government ministers calling for it to turn rhetoric into regulations and introduce vital climate controls in construction, and hopes the letter and subsequent petition will draw attention to the need for the authorities to move faster when it comes to construction and engineering as climate tipping points continue to be passed.
The letter, sent to key ministers including Michael Gove, Theresa Coffey, Grant Shaps, Gillian Keegan as well as all shadow ministers asks the Government to act with urgency.
Among the changes called for are the need to support industry by:
- supporting energy efficiency in homes and non-residential buildings
- urgently creating the needed green jobs of the future
- regulating whole life carbon
- improving infrastructure standards.
Paula said: “The current voluntary, bottom-up approach, needs strong legislative support to facilitate green design and the transition to net zero.
“I am delighted the WES Climate Emergency Group has taken the step to make real change through this letter.
“We have provided the UK Government with tangible actionable ideas to support our engineering industry to tackle the climate crisis together. “This letter has already consolidated many organisations who support decisive action and a consistent strategic approach to enable us to deliver tangible outputs.”
The Women’s Engineering Society - a charity formed more than 100 years ago - has chosen International Women’s Engineering Day to release the open letter in the hope of reaching as wide an audience as possible with its plans to improve current practices.
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The letter states: “We request a clear and consistent strategic approach which will embed Climate Change Committee recommendations into every new and updated policy document.
“Engineers and scientists are critical to fighting the climate emergency: we are the pioneers of innovation hence the front line of climate action.
“Mr Sunak outlined the importance of innovation for achieving Net Zero yet engineers do not have supporting policies to drive change.
“We can provide examples of where political will would enable the engineering sectors to deliver tangible outputs.”
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