Celebrating Inwed 2024

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Monday 24 June 2024 12:02 PM

Celebrating INWED 2024

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we talked to some of our brilliant female engineers about their career paths, what advice they might give to those starting out, and how they think the world is enhanced by engineering.

Kaoru Okamoto

Liaison Manager

Kaoru Okamoto

Liaison Manager

Why did you choose to work in engineering?

I enjoyed maths and science at school and I wanted to do a job which creates something to help people. In particular, I decided to work in aerospace as planes are just amazing - they fly! Also in engineering, you work in teams so also gives me an opportunity to work with different cultures and also gives me opportunities to work around the world.

What advice would you give to young women who are thinking of a career in engineering?

Go for it! It’s great fun, always something new and there are lots of different opportunities within Engineering.

How do you think engineering enhances lives?

For me, engineering is an enabler to help me do the things i want to do. For example, I rely on planes to get me around the world to see family and friends quickly and safely. It also allows me to see the world!

Daisy Bolton

Engineering Degree Apprentice

Daisy Bolton

Engineering Degree Apprentice

Why did you choose to work in engineering?

I chose to work in engineering as I have always been fascinated by understanding how things work. I loved maths and physics from a young age, but always wanted a way of combining these in a creative way, and engineering gave me the perfect solution to this. I was first introduced to engineering by taking part in STEM events at high school, and my curiosity and passion for engineering grew from there and led me to my current role as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice with GorWay.

What advice would you give to young women who are thinking of a career in engineering?

Engineering is the most challenging yet rewarding and fulfilling thing I have experienced. My advice would be to stay inquisitive, think outside the box and be creative as this will allow you to problem solve and work collaboratively in the most effective and productive way to achieve incredible things. Although a career in engineering may be intimidating at first, I have found it to be a welcoming environment, where groups of like-minded people are all working towards the same goal.

How do you think engineering enhances lives?

Engineering underpins everything that is done and is used within society in order to improve quality of life. This can be through solving a problem, increasing productivity, reducing cost, reducing environmental impact or creating solutions which make day to day improvements. Engineering enhances my life through my enjoyment within my role and the work I do. I find that my job is exciting, challenging but immensely rewarding and enjoy the fact that I am constantly learning along the way.

Rhianna Harrison

Engineering and Technology Graduate

Rhianna Harrison

Engineering and Technology Graduate

Why did you choose to work in engineering?

I chose to work in Engineering because I have always had an inquisitive mind, strong maths and physics background and a passion for problem solving. I specifically chose to study and work in Aerospace Engineering as aeroplanes always fascinated me and I was drawn to understanding how and why they are able to fly. The idea of working in an industry where we are pushing the boundaries of technology and physics is exciting to me.

What advice would you give to young women who are thinking of a career in engineering?

Follow your passions and continue to seek opportunities to learn more about things you find interesting and fascinating. Also get involved in any STEM outreach activities that occur around you whether that be with your school/university or by being a STEM ambassador. Finally, to be brave, bold and to believe in yourself - the engineering industry is on a journey towards becoming more gender-diverse, don’t be put off by this, rather see it as an opportunity.

How do you think engineering enhances lives?

Engineering enhances lives by allowing for infrastructure development, technological advances, energy efficiency, safety improvements, transport development and manufacturing improvements… just to name a few! It also enhances my life by allowing me to work in an industry where I feel important, allowed to perform at my best and gives a rewarding output from my work.

Deanna Dawson

Machinist, Advanced Engineering Apprentice

Deanna Dawson

Machinist, Advanced Engineering Apprentice

Why did you choose to work in engineering?

I chose to work in engineering after my family background being mainly in the sector and having heavy involvement in engineering and mechanical work at home.

What advice would you give to young women who are thinking of a career in engineering?

I would say to just keep working for what you want and don’t let anyone put you down. It can be tough getting to the point where you are comfortable in different environments but everyone at GorWay made this so much easier being so welcoming and encouraging. But my main piece of advice would be to push yourself out of your comfort zone occasionally, and always keep asking questions!

How do you think engineering enhances lives?

Engineering enhances lives by constantly testing the possible and wanting to find better ways to do things, solve problems and create better ways of life. Engineering has always meant something to me due to my family being heavily involved in various ways and I also feel gives me an outlet for ideas and questions, allowing me to be involved and gain better understanding.

Alexia Williams

Lifecycle Engineer, Defence

Alexia Williams

Lifecycle Engineer, Defence

Why did you choose to work in engineering?

I wanted to gain a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering but didn't like the idea of being at university full time. I heard about degree apprenticeships when in Year 9 at the Bath and West Imagineering Fair where doing a degree apprenticeship sounded like a brilliant idea as I would get 3 years of industry experience whilst completing my degree as well as obtaining an NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 4. I also liked the idea of doing different roles across the company so I knew where I would want to go for my full-time role.

I was good at Maths and Design and Technology at Secondary School which piqued my interest in potentially going into a career in Engineering. I was always fascinated by aerospace and when I was younger, I couldn’t get my head around how a helicopter just floated mid-air. Speaking with my parents and teachers and hearing the story of the engineering apprentices’ success when in Year 9 I decided Engineering was the route for me and chose my A-levels to be a great lead into a career in Engineering.

What advice would you give to young women who are thinking of a career in engineering?

Here are some pieces of advice I can offer to anyone considering a career in aerospace engineering through the degree apprenticeship route:

Research – thoroughly research the aerospace industry, including current trends, challenges, and opportunities. Understanding the field should help them make an informed decision about what part of aerospace they would like to go into and what they find the most interesting. E.g. the engines, or the aircraft airframe, or the technology inside the aircraft, etc.
Commitment – An Aerospace Engineering Apprenticeship involves balancing on-the-job training with academic studies, so they need to be prepared for a demanding schedule and should have good organisation and time management skills.
Networking – network with professionals or other apprentices currently in the industry. Connect with them on LinkedIn. Attend industry events like RIAT or Farnborough Air Show. Networking can provide valuable insights, mentorship opportunities and potential career offers. It can help you to understand how the industry currently works and what you can do to start your career.
Experience – Work Experience is a fantastic way to gain an insight into different companies and the work being done before you commit to joining an apprenticeship. Gaining the experience of the industry may also help you in your interview process for future roles.

Rose Barton

Engineering Degree Apprentice

Rose Barton

Engineering Degree Apprentice

Why did you choose to work in engineering?

I have a passion for aerospace and engineering therefore, after high school I pursued aeronautical engineering at college. Here I gained valuable knowledge about aircraft systems and practical experience at a local airport. I thoroughly enjoyed this which led me to an engineering degree apprenticeship at GorWay.

What advice would you give to young women who are thinking of a career in engineering?

If you are a young women with an interest in engineering my advice is to explore all available opportunities and follow your passion. Setting clear goals and working towards them is essential.

How do you think engineering enhances lives?

Within an engineering role and especially as an apprentice I feel I am working to my full potential, by helping to solve complex engineering problems while also studying towards a degree. I feel I am also enhancing others’ lives as I am contributing to advancements in the aerospace industry and technology.

Carolina Marie Jakobs

Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice

Carolina Marie Jakobs

Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice

Ich wusste schnell, dass ich keinen Bürojob machen wollte und auch nichts mit Autos. Flugzeuge haben mich schon immer interessiert. Ich habe den Beruf der Fluggerätmechanikerin Fachrichtung Triebwerk erlernt, weil ich schon immer eine Leidenschaft für Spitzentechnologie und die Luftfahrt hatte. Es erfüllt mich, zu sehen wie aus tausenden Einzelteilen eine so komplexe, leistungsstarke und zuverlässige Antriebsmaschine entsteht.

Ich möchte anderen jungen Frauen raten, ihrem Interesse und ihrer Leidenschaft zu folgen, egal in welchem Bereich. Lasst euch nicht von Stereotypen und Vorurteilen abhalten. Ihr könnt alles erreichen, wenn ihr daran glaubt und bereit seid, hart zu arbeiten.

I quickly knew that I didn't want to do an office job or anything involving cars. I've always been interested in airplanes. I trained to be an aircraft mechanic specializing in engines because I have always had a passion for cutting-edge technology and aviation. I love seeing how such a complex, powerful and reliable machine is created from thousands of individual parts.

I would like to advise other young women to follow their interest and passion, no matter what the field. Don't let stereotypes and prejudices stop you. You can achieve anything if you believe in it and are willing to work hard.

Charlotte Dunford

Technical Lead

Charlotte Dunford

Technical Lead

Why engineering?

I was good at math and science, enjoyed shop class, and liked watching mechanical machines and figuring out how they worked.

Advice for women wanting a career in engineering. Engineering is a calling, volunteer or do some other project to see if it is something you have passion for.

Good engineering enhances lives. That’s the point of technology. To make our lives better.

Carlotta Geier

Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice

Carlotta Geier

Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice

Schon seit meiner Kindheit fasziniert mich alles rund um die Technik und das Handwerk. Somit war es mir wichtig, einen Beruf zu finden, indem ich mein handwerkliches Geschick einbringen kann und dieses weiter entwickeln kann. Ob Männerberuf oder nicht, darüber habe ich nicht mal nachgedacht, ich habe auf meine Fähigkeiten vertraut und habe somit meine Leidenschaft zum Beruf gemacht.

Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by everything related to technology and craftsmanship. It was therefore important to me to find a career in which I could use my technical skills and develop them further. I didn't even think about whether it was a man's job or not, I trusted in my abilities and turned my passion into a career.