Women and girls of all ages across our region are being encouraged to consider exploring or switching to a career in manufacturing, engineering, science, technology or digital as the sectors mark International Women in Engineering Day today (June 23).
As part of efforts by Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME), which operates across the Humber, more than 30 local employers will be taking part in a careers open day at Hull’s Guildhall on Wednesday, July 6, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
Kirsty Clode, chairman of WiME, 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 good rates of pay, a high number of vacancies and attractive prospects, careers in manufacturing and engineering present a wide variety of interesting roles that play an important part in the regional economy.
In the Humber area, manufacturing contributes 17 per cent of employment compared with 8.7 per cent 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.”
