INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY 2O22 – INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS

 

At White Label, we are lucky enough to meet some truly inspiring individuals and industry leaders through our specialism in recruiting for the engineering, supply chain and technical sales markets.

This year, the annual International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) – being celebrated on 23rd June – gives us an opportunity to celebrate ‘Inventors and Innovators’. The purpose of the INWED event (now in its ninth year) is to look toward the future, focusing on the inventors and innovators who will change the industry for the better.

To celebrate, we are spotlighting the incredible work and achievements of our female clients and candidates within the engineering space.

Julia Cameron is a Quality Assurance Manager at our client CarnaudMetalBox, she is an excellent example of an inspiring woman in engineering. 

CarnaudMetalbox Engineering (CMB Engineering) designs, develops and manufactures high-performance metal forming and finishing machinery for the production of beverage, food and aerosol cans. Julia was able to spare some time to talk to us about her journey and the engineering industry as a whole.

 

What made you first interested in a career in engineering?

 

My dad was a key inspiration for me. He is a Chemical Engineer and had a real talent for helping me with my maths and science homework. His way of explaining things is very visual and diagrammatic, this way of learning really resonated with me. My A-Level Physics teacher was also extremely inspirational and his catchphrase was “See! Physics is easy!”.

 

Can you give us a brief overview of your career so far?

 

I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Engineering and a PhD in Single Crystal Investment Casting at Leeds. I then went on to work in the Superalloy manufacturing industry, in various roles such as Senior Metallurgist, Lab Manager, Quality & Development Manager and Technical Manager for about 10 years. 

I became a consultant and carried out various contracts helping foundries in Europe and Asia for the subsequent five years. My daughter was then approaching school age, so I needed a full-time job near her school in the UK. I now work as Quality Assurance Manager for a global machine manufacturing company where I have been for the last four years. 

 

What’s the biggest achievement of your career so far?

 

My biggest career achievement to date is leading a project to install a new factory and successfully commissioning new pieces of capital machinery. We also decanted machinery from the old factory to the new factory without any loss of production volumes during the move.

 

How do you feel about the idea of being a role model to younger females in your industry?

 

I’m not a feminist. I believe in equality. I’m glad that I can make a difference in inspiring young females to realise that they are equally as valuable as men and that we are all able to add value to businesses. 

 

Do you think it’s important for the future of the industry to encourage girls in STEM subjects in school?

 

I think it’s important for every person to be given the opportunities to discover what they excel at so that the global economy can put that valuable resource to good use. Otherwise, it would just be wasted talent. It’s best to try as many different subjects as possible at a young age so that people can discover where their skills and preferences lie.

 

Is there a female colleague who has particularly inspired you in your career and how has she done this?

 

In my first ever job, the general manager was female and a very inspirational leader. She had really powerful influencing skills and I admired how she could walk into any situation and diffuse conflict, leading people to a successful resolution.

 

How has your company supported you in your career as a female in the engineering sector?

 

My company has supported me by giving me a job as a Senior Manager in the business. My company also demonstrates its support for females in the industry by recruiting females into roles at all levels of the business; from female apprentices and female engineers on the shop floor, to female members of the senior management team.

 

Why do you think it is important to champion the efforts of women in the engineering field?

 

I accept that there are some fundamental differences between a man and a woman’s capabilities. Although there may be some overlap with physical strength, it cannot be disputed that the world’s strongest man is definitely stronger than the world’s strongest woman. However, with regard to brain power, I believe men and women have equal capabilities. 

Whilst the number of women in engineering is definitely increasing, the portion is still not at 50% so it’s therefore unlikely that we have the optimum brain power that we could have in this industry. It therefore makes sense that we should continue to champion the efforts of women in engineering until the split increases to 50/50.

 

Has the engineering sector changed its attitude towards women over the course of your career?

 

When I first started my career 20 years ago there was a lot of sexism in the workplace, disguised as ‘banter’. I think now, the instances are fewer and further between. This could be partially due to HR policies becoming better enforced, however, I think it’s also due to society changing its perception of women. Women’s football is getting more recognition as a brand. Society now holds better regard for women in the workplace, as women have stood up for themselves and commanded more respect; having proven that they can achieve the same brilliant results as men.

 

How do you think the engineering industry can further adapt and improve to embrace female engineers?

 

The engineering industry needs to continue to develop an attitude of diversity and inclusivity. The industry needs to continue to showcase its opportunities to schools and the younger generation to educate them that the industry needs men and women with their skills to solve not only national problems but world problems.

 

What do you think the future holds for engineering and the women who work in the sector?

 

I predict the rise of women in engineering will continue!

We hope you come away from this blog feeling inspired, if you are seeking a new role or would like to discuss your career options, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today!