Despite many great roles being available in North East Lincolnshire across manufacturing, engineering, digital and renewables, many women and girls still aren’t considering entering these industries.

According to statistics from Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP), of all apprenticeship starts in 22/23 within the framework sector subject area "Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies", only 9% were female.

This is despite the fantastic rewards and career progression available in STEM based roles in industry – from great pay, flexibility, to career progression opportunities – as well as the chance to work with brand new technology and help tackle important issues like climate change.

The Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) initiative was developed to encourage more women and girls to consider a STEM based careers in manufacturing, engineering, digital and renewable industries with regular careers events taking place across the Humber region where attendees get the chance to chat to women working at local organisations.

WiME’s next careers event takes place at Grimsby Town Hall on Monday 4th March between 4.30pm and 6pm. More than 20 local employers are attending, many with current job, apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities available, and will be discussing how to get a foot on the ladder and build a great new career.

Dr Kirsty Clode, Chair of WiME, said: “Our events are designed to showcase the amazing opportunities in our region and dispel any misconceptions about careers in engineering, manufacturing, digital and renewables. Today many roles call for innovation, problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration – all of which women are great at.

“Across North East Lincolnshire there are a wealth of rewarding roles – from supporting renewables and clean energy to designing new IT solutions. Women are already playing essential roles in many of these companies and we would love to encourage more. We are keen for parents/carers to come along with their daughters to learn about the routes into these industries including apprenticeships.

“There is a wealth of roles available to women that may not have existed when they left education. So we are eager for women thinking of switching careers or returning to work to attend too. The women at our Grimsby careers event will tell you all about their roles, what’s it’s really like being a woman in these industries, and which routes you can take to get the skills and experience you need to get there – it might be easier than you think.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Net Zero, Skills and Housing, said:

"We have a number of incredibly skilled and talented women working in some of our most high-profile industries, and that's something we want to continue to encourage.

"This event is a great way for female students to engage with local employers and find out about the fantastic opportunities on their doorstep. Many of the employers attending the event have vacancies open right now, so it really is a valuable chance for students to see what's on offer."

Tickets for the event are free and can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-into-manufacturing-and-engineering-careers-event-tickets-771628881757

The Women of WiME: How the region’s female engineers are making a difference

Bridie Salmon, Ørsted:

Bridie Salmon grew up in Grimsby’s traditional fishing industry but found her passion as an apprentice offshore wind turbine technician at Ørsted.

After leaving school at 18 and traveling in Australia, Bridie found herself back in her hometown working at a local brewery and a 100-year-old fish smokehouse owned by her father.

Meeting Ørsted employees through work and friends made the self-described “planet activist” rethink her career plans in the hospitality industry. She was fascinated by the wind turbine technicians she met and speaking with them inspired her to pursue her career ambitions with Ørsted in the offshore wind sector.

Bridie started her apprenticeship with Ørsted at 22 years old. As someone who “loves the planet,” she takes pride in the fact that she is one of many locals doing their part to develop the renewable energy sector, while also boosting the local economy.

Claire Swannick, Triton Knoll:

Claire Swannick is a 52 year old Logistics Coordinator with RWE at Triton Knoll in Grimsby. She is passionate about warehousing and logistics, and started her career as the first female Materials Handler at Kimberley Clark in 1997!

Claire previously worked in the oil and gas industry but has since been inspired by the renewables sector and joined the industry in 2015.

Claire said: “I feel like I have the best job in the world, as I now have a career that makes me financially independent and working in the best industry in the world. I’m really keen to encourage anybody into the industry for the same reasons.”

Back to News