Findings published by the Women’s Engineering Society in March 2016 (http://www.wes.org.uk/statistics) states that only 9% of the engineering workforce in the UK is female.
This is a disappointing statistic that simply has to change.
IPU Group design and build engine starting, fuel conditioning, oil conditioning and engine heating systems in the West Midlands.
IPU works hard to support gender diversity and equality. The company operates an equal pay policy, which is based on job role and not the gender of the job holder. Females make up 21.43% of IPU’s workforce, and this figure is steadily increasing year on year.
As part of IPU’s celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we’d like to introduce some of our female engineers:
Anna Childs
Anna has worked for IPU for 5 years. She is a project manager in our design and engineering department, primarily working on Engine Starting projects. Anna loves the sense of achievement from seeing a project through from start to finish. She enjoys the variety and challenge of having no two projects the same.
Anna would like to tell all aspiring female engineers: “It’s a great industry to get into; it’s interesting, challenging, you meet some great people and there is plenty of scope to pursue a varied and rewarding career”.
Geraldine Sewell
Geraldine has worked in the industry for over 20 years and IPU for 4 years. She is our chief fabricator welder and Deputy Workshop Manager. Geraldine thinks there’s nothing better than seeing a job completed that has been made from scratch.
Geraldine would say to females considering a career in the industry to “go for it. I’ve been welding for over 20 years and still love it. It’s great to be a woman at the top of your game showing everyone how it’s done”.
Alexis James
Alexis has worked with IPU for the last 15 months, but has over 10 years’ experience in the industry. As a Panel Wirer, Alexis is involved in the construction and wiring of electrical control panels and cabinets. Alexis loves working with her hands, making engineering the perfect career for her.
The advice Alexis would give to hopeful female engineers would be to “stay dedicated to education to ensure you can go as far in your career as possible”.
Find out more about IPU Group by visiting the website, on www.ipu.co.uk
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