In support of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), British Engines recently took part in a panel event hosted by Newcastle University’s School of Engineering, bringing together voices from industry and academia to share experiences, insights and ideas.
Representing British Engines on the panel were Maddison Wren (Design Technician, CMP Products), Emily Jackson (Security & Sustainability Graduate, EPP Division) and Andrew Myers (Learning & Development Business Partner). Together, they shared their thoughts on the current landscape for women in engineering, the trends shaping the sector, as well as their own personal experiences.
Reflecting on the event, Maddison said: “It was a great opportunity to connect with other women in engineering, hear about different career paths, and how others’ journeys compared to my own.
“It was also good to learn more about the challenges women continue to face, particularly around inclusion and support in the workplace, where around 40% of women who study engineering at degree level either don’t enter the industry or leave within a few years.
“Events like this highlight the importance of creating environments where women feel supported, represented and able to thrive.”
Across British Engines, women are making a significant impact in areas such as production, quality and operations. However, there is more to do to ensure stronger representation across design, innovation and technical leadership.
From the importance of visible role models and early engagement, to creating inclusive pathways and ongoing support, we’re committed to creating opportunities for women to build rewarding careers in engineering, where our highly-sought apprentice programme offers hand-on experience, full-time pay, and a chance to build a varied career across our nine businesses.
By continuing to support initiatives like INWED, and by creating opportunities for colleagues to share experiences and learn from one another, we can help build a more inclusive and sustainable future for engineering.