Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME), which operates across the Humber, is taking the opportunity to encourage women and girls of all ages to consider exploring or switching to a career in manufacturing, engineering, science, technology or digital this International Women in Engineering Day (23 June 2022.)
As part of WiME’s efforts to get more women into these roles across the Humber region, over 30 local employers from across all these sectors will be taking part in a Careers Open Day at Hull’s Guildhall on Wednesday, 6th July, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
Kirsty Clode, Chair of WiME, explains the success and appeal of careers open events. She said: “We have an extensive network of businesses who work with WiME to promote opportunities for women and girls, who will attend these events with female employees who can speak to the attendees and can give them a first-hand account of what it’s like to be a woman in industry, how they can get started and what kind of training they may have to undertake. Some employers even have current vacancies they are looking to fill.
“By providing these real-life role models, it helps women and girls see that people like them can do these roles and do them really well – there are no limits on what they can achieve and it’s never too early to start thinking about, or too late to make the switch to, a rewarding career in STEM.”
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 8.7% for England – and this number is set to grow thanks to the investment in renewable energy, local decarbonisation projects and investments such as the new train factory in Goole and A63 Castle Street improvements. However, despite the high demand for people with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications, women are under- represented in these roles.
Laura Botham, HR Manager at Siemens Gamesa, said: “As proud supporters of WiME, Siemens Gamesa will be attending the Careers event to speak with all of those attending
about the fantastic opportunities within our sector and business. The global renewable energy industry is growing at a faster rate than ever, creating more and more jobs throughout its supply chain which require a diverse range of skills and experiences. It is essential that we reflect the industry’s role in driving sustainable and inclusive growth around the world by attracting the widest talent pool. By encouraging more diversity in this arena, we can ensure those with the best aptitude and attitude are making a difference, ensuring the sector’s ongoing success and Siemens Gamesa’s competitiveness.
“I am really excited to attend the event, having the opportunity to inspire young women about potential careers in our business. Moreover, I am really pleased to be talking to women during the career fair, about our current vacancies here at the Hull Blade Factory, we really are in exciting times as we are expanding our facility on the Humber.”
Cllr Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “We very much support the WiME initiative and hope the careers open day is a huge success. Manufacturing and engineering are two important sectors of growth for our city. By encouraging more diversity in this arena, we can ensure the people with the best aptitude and attitude are making a difference and ensuring this sector’s ongoing success, which is really important for Hull as a city, as well as the wider region. We should all be doing as much as we can to encourage women and girls to explore a career in these industries.”
Please visit greenporthull.co.uk/events/wime-careers-events to register your attendance.
CASE STUDY:
Name: Hannah Woodgate
Career History: Joined Siemens Gamesa as a Logistics Intern, secured a permanent role as a Direct Supply Professional in the Supply Chain & Logistics function.
Background: “Having had a passion for the environment since I was a little girl, it was my dream to work in renewables. I studied Environmental Science, Geography, Maths and English at A-Level then went on to study BSc Geography (Hons) at the University of Hull where I obtained a high 2:1.”
My role: “I applied for the logistics internship with little knowledge on what the role would entail. What started as a 12 month internship has now turned into the start of my career as I have been offered a permanent role as a Direct Supply Professional within the SCL team.
“Initially I was sceptical about pursuing a career in such a male driven industry. However, being part of a team that is made up of equal numbers of male and female colleagues showed me that the future is more diverse. I am proud to be part of a business that is not only shaping the future of energy, but is also driving diversity and inclusivity within the workplace.”
