Inspiring students for National Women in Engineering Day

Tuesday 23rd June was National Women in Engineering Day (#NWED); and to mark the occasion we were delighted to welcome a group of Year 10 girls from UTC Plymouth.

The students enjoyed a tour of our factory, including an explanation of the many metal engineering processes we undertake, and how we combine these to provide a comprehensive in-house service to our clients.

Tuesday 23rd June was National Women in Engineering Day (#NWED); and to mark the occasion we were delighted to welcome a group of Year 10 girls from UTC Plymouth.

The students enjoyed a tour of our factory, including an explanation of the many metal engineering processes we undertake, and how we combine these to provide a comprehensive in-house service to our clients.

This was followed by a talk from our MD, Karen Friendship, on what it takes to succeed as a woman in an engineering role.  Karen shared the story of her own journey into engineering, starting from the STEM subjects she excelled in at school; through a Civil Engineering degree; her sponsorship and employment by Devon County Council; and her progression and current role within the family business.

The students then undertook a practical engineering challenge… the ‘Marshmallow Challenge’ to build a tall freestanding structure from rigid spaghetti, tape and string to support the weight of a marshmallow!  

National Women in Engineering Day is a campaign set up by the Women’s Engineering Society.  Its aim was to highlight the engineering skills shortage, change the perception of engineering, and demonstrate the opportunities for women to have an exciting career.