International Women in Engineering Day 2024
June 2024
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), brought to you by Women’s Engineering Society (WES) celebrates its 11th year today and we are proudly sharing the amazing work that women engineers across our Group are doing.
This year’s theme is #Enhancedbyengineering. INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented, with 2021 figures indicating that in the UK only 16.5% of engineers are women. As the only platform of its kind, it plays a vital role in encouraging more young women and girls to take up engineering careers.
When approaching volunteers, we as a group wanted to learn as much as we can about the amazing women who work for our member companies. We recognise that the areas in which they work are typically male dominated, so we wanted to not only share their successes, but also learn from their experiences and find out if there is anything we as a group can do better to support them.
Megan Buckey, BSc (Hons) AMIEnvSc, Project Engineer, Brownfield Solutions Ltd
I’ve been working at Brownfield Solutions Ltd since October 2022 as a Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental Engineer. My role varies from pre-development to post-development including desk-based studies, site investigation works in a wide range of environments be it a greenfield or a brownfield site, remediation and validation works. I see the majority of projects go from start to finish, progressing through various construction stages.
After studying Environmental Science at University, I had a keen interest for sustainability and all things around it. Geo-Environmental engineering, with its focus on understanding and mitigating environmental hazards, emerged as the perfect blend of my interests.
Being a woman in a traditionally male dominated field has had its challenges but has also been incredibly rewarding. At BSL we are proud to be part of a growing community of women engineers who are breaking barriers and bringing diverse perspectives to the industry.
Coral McShane, BSc (Hons) FGS, Project Engineer, Brownfield Solutions Ltd
I’ve been interested in Geology since a young age, intrigued by how landscapes were created – the questions of how and why they look a certain way. The questions were answered by Geology, which I have have studied since my GCSEs.
During my bachelor’s degree in Geology, I had a particular interest in the building process, which fuelled my ambition to become an Engineer. Now I’m in the industry and my role encompasses overseeing the whole process. From desk-based research, to undertaking investigation, to coming up with and implementing strategies for projects to go ahead safely. It’s great when you can see the development of a derelict contaminated site and say, ‘oh look my skills and expertise allowed that to happen’.
The advice I have for younger girls and women who are interested in the industry is:
Go get it. You have nothing to lose by doing something that interests you. Don’t let anyone try and make you change what you want to do. You can do whatever you put your mind to. It may seem like it’s a predominantly male dominated industry or that you think that you won’t be taken seriously whilst on-site, but I have found that if you are confident in your own abilities people will respect you, and there are more women in the industry than you realise.
Loren Gakhal BSc (Hons), FGS, Operations Manager, Brownfield Solutions Ltd
One of the main ways engineering has enhanced my life is by improving my problem-solving skills. Being in engineering has trained me to approach problems systematically and develop effective solutions. This skill is invaluable not only in my professional life, but also in everyday situations.
I love that, even though I may not be involved in writing of reports, my knowledge and experience are still valued for each project. It’s great to know that if anyone needs help, I can support them. Even though my work is often behind the scenes, being part of projects that solve real-world problems and contribute to society gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment. As my job requires both technical and business knowledge my goal is eventually to become a chartered geologist, as it would benefit not only me personally but also the company.
I feel one area where most companies could improve is in supporting women when they decide to start a family. When I was younger, the idea of having a family was not even considered. But as I got older, the idea of a family became quite important to me. Sadly, many women (not just in engineering) feel they can’t start a family until they are in a much more senior position, or they remove themselves from their field because they believe they wouldn’t be able to balance a career and a family. I feel very fortunate that BSL supported me through my pregnancy, but more importantly, when I returned to work. If there were more support for women who return to work after starting a family, they would be more likely to remain within the industry and with the same company.
Lisa Cookson, BSc Ind (Hons) CSci MIEnvSc FGS, Senior Project Engineer, Brownfield Solutions Ltd
I’ve been a Senior Project Engineer at Brownfield Solutions Ltd for three years. I was lucky to attend a school which offered GCSE and A-level geology and so my interest in earth sciences started in secondary school when I was looking at options. I have always enjoyed the outdoors, and so when it came to picking a university subject I was torn between Physiotherapy and Geology, but decided to stick with the subject I knew I loved.
I did a year in industry as part of my Geological Sciences degree, working as a geo-environmental technician. A few years after graduating I went back to do a similar role for a subsidiary company of RSK and then got asked to interview for an upcoming graduate engineer role. From there I have worked my way up to Senior Engineer through 3 different companies to find myself at BSL. In addition to my degree, I’ve also had a variety of other training such as site access training, asbestos awareness, CSCS, CAT and Genny training.
As a Senior Engineer I get involved in mentoring junior members of staff and providing support which brings me great satisfaction. I also enjoy finding solutions for clients and knowing that I’ve seen a job through from start to finish. It’s a diverse job, and it can be really rewarding. If you’re new to the field don’t be afraid to ask questions or to challenge people, get involved with networking events, volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone. Keep pushing yourself and you’ll be a great engineer.
I have recently returned from maternity leave, but before I went, I achieved Chartered Scientist (CSci) which was the big goal that I wanted to tick off. I’m currently busy juggling personal and professional life so I haven’t had time to think about where I want to head to next, but an application to become a registered SILC/SQP could be tempting, or I have also been thinking about the merits of SOBRA accreditation. Both would be incredible, but I get very nervous with any sort of interview situation so I will have to really push myself to go for either.
In general, the industry has made efforts to support women in recent years, however there is still a lot to be done. Visiting sites which don’t have a clean/useable ladies’ toilet, not being provided with women specific PPE, bare minimum maternity/paternity policies, lack of flexible working to accommodate childcare and outdated misogynistic views being expressed by individuals on site are still issues that women face in the industry on a daily basis. It’s great that BSL provide a supportive and understanding environment for their female engineers, but the industry as a whole still needs to step up.
Abbey Ward, BSc, Graduate Engineer, A H Howland Associates
I’ve been working as a Graduate Engineer at A F Howland Associates for just over eight months. I undertook a BSc in Geology and Physical Geography at the University of Birmingham and got into the role after graduating and moving from the Midlands to Norwich.
I’ve always had an interest in how the world works since taking GCSE Geography. I find it fascinating how we as humans interact with the world both positively and negatively.
Working in engineering has provided me with life experience in ways I could not have imagined. I have met so many interesting and intriguing people and have had the chance to travel around the country. Engineering has also taught me skills I didn’t know I needed but am so glad I now have. It has also given me an appreciation for how much of an impact engineering makes on the quality of people’s day to day lives. My favourite part of my role is the day-to-day variation, no two days are the same and I’ve recently been thinking about undertaking an MSc in Contaminated Land, as this is what has piqued my interest so far.
My advice to women who want to enter this field of work is to be confident in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, there’s no such thing as a stupid question.
In general, I feel that the industry and the Group should encourage more collaboration with women in engineering and share more opportunities to speak about experiences like this.
Back to main news list