International Women In Engineering Day - 23 June 2022
23 June 2022 is International Women in Engineering Day (#INWED), created by The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) celebrates its 9th year in 2022 and figures as of June 2021 show that 16.5% of engineers are women.
#INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented in their professions. As the only platform of its kind, it plays a vital role in encouraging more young women and girls to take up engineering careers.
We hear from some of the female engineering apprentices doing their off the job workshop training at SETA about why they decided to take up a career in engineering, and how they are finding their apprenticeship so far:
Sorsha, Engineering Fitter Apprentice with Formula 1®
"I’ve always had an interest in engineering, but I think like many girls growing up, I pushed it to one side thinking I wouldn't be any good. It really became something I looked into when I was a flight attendant, I’ve always loved aircraft and talking to the pilots and engineers at work every day really was an eye opener. "
"My personal highlight on my apprenticeship journey has been my own personal growth. I came into engineering with very little confidence, I found it hard to believe in myself that I could do this. But with the support I’ve had from both SETA and Formula 1®, I am now very comfortable in this environment. It has been a big change, but it’s been the best one."
Fern, Science Industry Maintenance Technician with ExxonMobil, Fawley
"I have always been inquisitive into why and how things work, wanting to have a deeper understanding when it came to learning something new. This lead me down a science path to begin with, however I wanted something more practical and hands on base which engineering offered."
"My personal highlight has been producing a ‘professional standard’ open corner joint in MMA welding. To begin with I found welding very intimidating, and I was unsure if I could produce a pass grade weld let alone anything more, however through the encouragement and help of my instructor and my own determination, I improved and ended up producing welds of high quality."
Bella, Mechanical/Electrical Apprentice with DP World
"I chose to do an apprenticeship, as I find I am a kinaesthetic learner, and enjoy being hands on, and I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. The field of engineering is very male dominated, so as a female in this trade, I feel empowered and proud to be an engineering apprentice.
"I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Seta. My instructors are amazing, they are extremely helpful, and supportive when it comes to practical work in a workshop rotation. I have learnt a lot over the past few months having no experience in engineering and I am looking forward to putting my skills into practise when I start out on site."
Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, said in March 2022:
"We need to ensure that engineering is a career choice that attracts the next generation of young women”
To help address this SETA holds a Workshop Taster Day allowing young people to have a go and get hands with engineering activities in the workshop under the careful eye of our experienced instructors. With activities such as CAD, Metrology, Electrical Wiring, Spot Welding and Metal Fabrication to choose from, there is an engineering activity for everyone! Don't miss out - register your place at our next event!
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