An inspirational apprentice who discovered her career at one of Green Port Hull’s Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) events is encouraging more young women to explore opportunities in the sector.
Nina Weldrick, an Engineering Technician at Ideal Heating, attended the Hull WiME event at the Guildhall in 2018. Later that year she joined the Hull-based business as an apprentice, completing her five-year training programme in 2024.
Today she designs and manufactures custom parts, tools and equipment to support production across Ideal Heating, which is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of boilers and heat pumps. She also acts as a mentor to apprentices following in her footsteps.
Nina said: “My apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to learn, grow and build my confidence. It’s the perfect way to develop your skills. You’re not on the sidelines – as soon as you start, you’re involved in real-life projects. There’s so much support and structure.
“Since completing my apprenticeship, I’ve been given a lot of responsibility, leading on jobs and projects that make a real difference. I really enjoy what I’m doing and it never gets stagnant. There’s always something new at Ideal Heating – new innovations, new challenges, and now a growing focus on renewables like heat pumps. It’s exciting to be part of that future.”
Nina is encouraging others thinking about an apprenticeship or career in manufacturing, engineering, construction, digital or renewable energy to attend WiME’s next careers event – which is taking place at the Guildhall in Hull on Wednesday 8th October, from 3:30pm-6pm.
With around 30 of the Humber’s leading employers in attendance, the event will be an opportunity for women, girls and their parents/carers to meet others already working in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, find out about current vacancies, discover what training and qualifications are needed, and learn about apprenticeship opportunities.
Nina wasn’t sure what direction to go in after school, but when she looked at her strengths – being hands-on, creative and good at maths – engineering made sense.
She searched online to find out more about engineering opportunities for girls in our area – which is when she came across WiME. She attended an event at the Guildhall in Hull, where she met women from Ideal Heating. They also spoke to Nina about their five-year apprenticeship scheme.
She commented: “Ideal Heating stood out at the WiME event – the women I met were so approachable and inspiring. They told me exactly what their apprenticeships involved and gave me confidence that I could find my own place in engineering.
“They had all come into the business via different routes, and Ideal Heating has the ultimate role model in Engineering Director Helen Villamuera, who is an inspiration to young women like me.
“Now I’m mentoring other apprentices – it’s amazing to be able to support the next generation coming through.”
The WiME event is aimed at: Women who are currently employed in other sectors who wish to make a career change; those returning to work after a career break; girls attending school or college with their parents/carers; female students in Higher Education; and careers advisors for school children and adults.
Nina added: “If you’re leaving school and unsure what to do – don’t just do what your friends are doing. Think about what you love. Be brave and bold, and explore paths that are right for you. If it’s not right, you can always change later. Don’t let fear or stereotypes stop you.
“Engineering opens doors into so many industries. You get transferable skills that can take you anywhere – and the salaries are competitive too. With an apprenticeship, you’re earning while you’re learning.”
With great pay, a high number of vacancies and attractive prospects, careers in manufacturing and engineering present a wide variety of interesting and exciting roles, which play an important part in our economy.
In the Humber region, manufacturing contributes 17% of our employment compared with 7.4% for England. However, despite the high demand for people with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications, women are under-represented in these roles.
Dr Kirsty Clode, Chair of WiME, said: “Our events are designed to showcase the amazing opportunities in our region and dispel any misconceptions about careers in engineering, manufacturing, digital, construction and renewables. Today many roles call for innovation, problem-solving, adaptability and team working – all of which women are great at.
“Across Hull and East Yorkshire there are a wide variety of rewarding roles – from supporting renewables and clean energy to designing new digital and construction solutions. These opportunities arise in smaller local firms as well as the large multinational companies. Women are already playing essential roles in many of these companies and we would love to encourage more. We recognise the important role that parents/carers play in supporting their daughters and we are keen for them to come together and learn about the routes into these industries including apprenticeships.
“There is a wealth of roles available to women that may not have existed when they left education. So, we are eager for women thinking of switching careers or returning to work to attend too. The women at our Hull careers event will tell you all about their roles, what’s it’s really like being a woman in these industries, and which routes you can take to get the skills and experience you need to get there. This year we have introduced a new session on transferable skills – helping you to stand out to potential employers and training providers.”
Helen Villamuera, Engineering Director at Groupe Atlantic UK, ROI & NA, said: “Having watched the WiME events grow over the years, it’s amazing to hear Nina’s success story – from visiting one of the events, to finding a career she is passionate about, and then working hard to get her qualifications and now being a role model for others.
“I hope her story inspires other women and girls to find a career that they never knew they would be interested in – and be brave enough to give it a go.”
Thomas Morris, Project Engineer at Centrica Energy Storage, said: “Centrica Energy Storage is proud to continue supporting WiME Hull 2025, assisting in promoting opportunities for women in the STEM field. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and are excited to connect with future talent in the Humber region.”
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training at Hull City Council, said: “WiME events are key to ensure that women and girls are able to find a career path which suits them. Nina’s story is living proof of its success and we look forward to welcoming more women and girls to the WiME event in the Guildhall in October.”
Cllr Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for women and girls across the East Riding to discover the wide range of career pathways available within these vital industries, where they remain underrepresented.
“East Riding of Yorkshire Council is proud to support this initiative and is committed to encouraging more women to consider careers with the leading manufacturing and engineering companies across the Humber.”
Tickets for the event are free and can be booked here.