The gender gap in the engineering sector has long been a concern and remains a pressing issue, and with new research reporting that the COVID-19 pandemic is deepening gender differences in career aspirations, we collectively need to do more to promote STEM careers. There are countless female role models in the sector however unless we celebrate them, the engineering industry will struggle to shake off its stereotype as a white male-dominated industry of hard hats and hi-viz, and we will struggle to achieve a better balance.

A lack of diversity in the STEM sectors has long been a concern and remains a pressing issue. There needs to be a better representation of ethnic diversity, alongside representation from minority and low socio-economic backgrounds. Without seeing yourself represented, would you really feel driven to pursue a career where you perceive you might not feel welcome? Through our Inclusive Engineering virtual sessions, we aim to shine the spotlight on what a career in engineering and STEM looks like for groups in industry where we can achieve a better balance, and illustrate that “if you can see it, you can be it”.

Our upcoming session, in partnership with Women in Rail, will celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2021. We’ll be focusing our attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls within our exciting industries and celebrate the achievements of females. We are confident that together, we can encourage women and girls to consider engineering and rail as a profession for all.

Join us on Wednesday, 23rd June 8.30-9.30am. Register your place below. Our speakers will be announced very soon!

Register here.

Our Guest Speakers –

Heather Waugh. Heather joined the railway as a Train Driver with Scotrail in August 2006, having previously been an Operational Manager with Royal Mail for 10 years. In January 2019 Heather became Freightliner’s first-ever female train driver in Scotland and, indeed, the only female freight train driver at all in Scotland. She is passionate about issues around mental health, equality, diversity, and inclusion and believes strongly in breaking down barriers, both mental and physical, which prevent women from excelling in areas that are still heavily male-dominated within the rail industry. She recently won ‘Highly Commended’ at the Women in Rail Awards 2020 in the category of ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’.

Shannon Todd. Shannon’s TechnipFMC journey started at age 16 through the Career Ready program where she participated in a summer internship with the business rotating around multiple departments. During the rotations she developed a newfound passion for health and safety, and knew she wanted it to be her career choice. She graduated Career Ready as Fife’s Regional Student of the Year with two acceptances to university to study social work, but when the opportunity for an apprenticeship with TechnipFMC presented itself, she knew she had to take it. Now entering the third year of her apprenticeship specialising in HSE while studying a HNC in Manufacturing Engineering and preparing for her NEBOSH Certificate, Shannon’s overall goal is to show women that the engineering industry needs them.

Lorraine O’Reilly. Lorraine is a retired Civil Servant, she is a Chartered Engineer with a long and successful career working with the Ministry of Defence. Lorraine began her career with a traditional apprenticeship, her early career anchor is electrical power engineering. She developed her skills and experience through a variety of roles working alongside industry in operations, facilities management, infrastructure and programme management which enabled her ultimate success as a leader in Defence. Lorraine is currently a mentor with Scottish Engineering, she is keen to promote engineering as a great career option for everyone and women in particular.

This event is free to attend. To register, please click here or email sarahcarvill@scottishengineering.org.uk, thank you. Please feel free to share this event with any of your contacts who could benefit from attending.