Can you share your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in the engineering industry?

My journey began with Actemium UK Ltd 13 years ago as an Administrative Assistant, I enjoyed my role and wanted to be more useful to the engineers and decided that I wanted to advance my skills further and so began my AAT qualification which I completed in 2023. In 2024 I joined the Automation Perimeter as a Finance Assistant and have recently moved into the role of Assistant Finance Business Partner. Although I am not an engineer myself, I enjoy being able to give our engineers support with financial knowledge to aid them in their projects.

What are some of the barriers you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

The barriers I have faced have been around progression and being a woman within a predominately male industry. Sometimes it has been a struggle to be heard. I have found the best way to overcome some of these by having regular conversations with managers about what progression is available and then keep talking about it, and to always share your ideas as they are all valid.

How can we encourage more young girls to consider engineering as a career?

Engineering is starting to see more females choosing it as a career and I truly believe that if highlighted in schools using a female engineer to give a talk or offering mentoring sessions to young girls, letting them know that engineering is not “only for boys”, it would help to inspire them and show that the role is achievable.

What changes would you like to see in the engineering industry to make it more inclusive for women?

The promotion of internships and apprenticeships that are targeted at girls and the provision of flexible career pathways to enable long-term retention.

How has mentorship played a role in your professional development?

As part of the Elevate programme I will be paired with a mentor and I am hoping for a very positive outcome towards my professional development, that aside I am lucky to already have a huge network of people that I can always go to for support or to ask questions if I need clarity or help with my progression.

How has your business unit supported and empowered you to reach your full potential?

More recently I have been in a position where I feel that I am being recognised and encouraged to push forwards within my career by enrolling me on to the FBP Programme and the Elevate Programme and also looking to start my CIMA qualification in the near future. I have an extremely supportive manager and team.

VINCI Energies UK & RoI launched an all-female programme called Elevate, can you tell us about your experience on the program?

It has been great to meet lots of likeminded ladies who all really want each other to be at their very best and help each other to achieve their goals. It is a journey within itself both personally and professionally, but we all pulled together as a unit. The trainer Steph Tranter has been wonderful at sharing tips and tools that we can use in every situation, she really gets you to think a bit more outside of the box. Elevate helps you to see and understand fully where your strengths and values are and how to use them to help you achieve your goals. Every woman within Vinci should get the opportunity to be part of the Elevate programme.

What advice would you give to women entering the engineering field today?

You don’t have to prove that you fit into engineering- you already do! You don’t have to know everything on day one, share your ideas even if you’re unsure, never downplay your achievements, ask for regular feedback and you don’t need to fit a certain image – be authentic to you.