Latest news with #womeninengineering
BBC News
01-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Female engineers from Crewe design plinth to honour women's activist
An all-female team of engineering students say they are proud to have designed a plinth to honour the historical activist known as Crewe Factory Ada Nield Chew used the pseudonym to write letters to her local newspaper, the Crewe Chronicle, during the 1890s in complaint of the conditions at her workplace.A blue plaque in her memory now stands on a giant metal cotton bobbin, engraved with line drawings that reflect Ada's life, outside the site of the former Compton's Clothing Factory on Bridle vision of students from Crewe Engineering and Design UTC, 17-year-old student Elizabeth Potter said: "I think they wanted us involved to show that women in engineering does happen." Ada's plaque was unveiled by the mayor of Crewe, Sally Graham, on 30 June to a crowd which included members of the A Statue for Ada group and the activist's great-great-nephew, Frank Nield, described the plaque and plinth as 'brilliant' and was pleased Crewe Town Council had chosen to involve local female students."I was very impressed with it," he beamed, "The kids designed it wonderfully well.""Talking to the Crewe residents, they want people to feel greater pride in their town," he students spoke passionately about Ada's story and their ambitions to enter a male-dominated industry."Around Crewe, a lot of males are remembered," noted engineering student Olivia Snmit, 17."A lot of streets and buildings are named after them, whereas you don't really see that for the women who made history in Crewe."Crewe Town Council say they will continue to support the A Statue for Ada group and plan to celebrate more influential females with their Crewe in 50 Women campaign. Ada left Compton's after being unmasked and went on to join the Independent Labour Party, as well as actively supporting the women's suffrage Chitty, Principal at Crewe Engineering and Design UTC said: "It is wonderful that the students will be able to lay claim to an important landmark in our town for years to come. "I am so proud that the collaboration between Crewe UTC, the Town Council and Area Welding has produced such a fitting monument to an incredible woman."
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Jersey woman included in UK's top 50 female engineers list
A Jersey engineer has been listed one of the UK's top 50 women in engineering for 2025The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) named Rachel Hayden as a role model for reaching more than 38,000 people through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) volunteering. The former Jersey College for Girls student was recognised for her "outstanding contributions to the profession and her tireless work inspiring the next generation" in the list published by the Women's Engineering Hayden, who works as a senior engineer at WSP, said an experience at secondary school had inspired her future career. She said: "If it hadn't been for a pasta bridge competition run by engineers when I was 16, I might never have discovered civil engineering."That moment changed my life - and now I'm passionate about creating those moments for others." 'A real difference' ICE said that since Ms Hayden had become a STEM Ambassador in 2017, she had volunteered more than 715 hours and delivered 285 Hayden said it was "a huge honour" to be recognised on the list."I hope it shows young people in Jersey and beyond that engineering is not only for everyone - it's a career where you can make a real difference."
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Pupils 'inspired' by female motor racings stars
Racing drivers Vanina Ickx (left) and Marta Garcia (second from right) were pictured with members of Oxford Brookes University's racing team [BBC] School pupils have described meeting female motor racing stars as "motivating" and "inspiring". The group of girls attended a talk by Vanina Ickx and Marta Garcia at Oxford Brookes University as part of a celebration of International Women in Engineering Day. Advertisement Garcia, who became the inaugural Formula 1 Academy champion in 2023, said it was vital to encourage the next generation of women working in the industry. "It's good to tell them our stories because then they get to know motorsport, how we started, and how to overcome obstacles," she said. Garcia and Ickx represent the Iron Dames, an Italian-Swiss auto racing and equestrian team. Garcia said she thought the industry was doing "much more" to attract girls to the sport. She cited the creation of the Formula 1 Academy, which is a female-only racing championship, and the development of school programmes to introduce girls to go-karts. Student Karma said the Iron Dames were "really inspiring" [BBC] The girls at the talk said they found the women inspiring and motivating. Advertisement Student Karma said she had been learning more about engineering. "[When watching Formula 1], you see all the races and the cars... but you never see what makes it, everyone always looks at the service but not the things behind it," she said. She said the Iron Dames were "really inspiring" and their efforts to "make male and female equal" was "really, really cool". Student Clara liked how "dedicated" the Oxford Brookes Racing team is [BBC] The pupils also met the award-winning Oxford Brookes Racing team and learned about the electric racing vehicle they develop each year to compete in the International Formula Student competition. Student Clara said she liked how "dedicated" the team was. Advertisement "It's cool how all of them have their area and want to do that well, instead of all wanting to drive - because that's not the most important part." International Women in Engineering Day is marked every June and aims to raise the profile of women in engineering, celebrate their achievements, and highlight some of the career opportunities available to them around the world. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Related Links
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Pupils 'inspired' by female motor racings stars at Oxford Brookes talk
School pupils have described meeting female motor racing stars as "motivating" and "inspiring".The group of girls attended a talk by Vanina Ickx and Marta Garcia at Oxford Brookes University as part of a celebration of International Women in Engineering Day. Garcia, who became the inaugural Formula 1 Academy champion in 2023, said it was vital to encourage the next generation of women working in the industry."It's good to tell them our stories because then they get to know motorsport, how we started, and how to overcome obstacles," she said. Garcia and Ickx represent the Iron Dames, an Italian-Swiss auto racing and equestrian team. Garcia said she thought the industry was doing "much more" to attract girls to the sport. She cited the creation of the Formula 1 Academy, which is a female-only racing championship, and the development of school programmes to introduce girls to go-karts. The girls at the talk said they found the women inspiring and motivating. Student Karma said she had been learning more about engineering."[When watching Formula 1], you see all the races and the cars... but you never see what makes it, everyone always looks at the service but not the things behind it," she said. She said the Iron Dames were "really inspiring" and their efforts to "make male and female equal" was "really, really cool". The pupils also met the award-winning Oxford Brookes Racing team and learned about the electric racing vehicle they develop each year to compete in the International Formula Student Clara said she liked how "dedicated" the team was."It's cool how all of them have their area and want to do that well, instead of all wanting to drive - because that's not the most important part."International Women in Engineering Day is marked every June and aims to raise the profile of women in engineering, celebrate their achievements, and highlight some of the career opportunities available to them around the world. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Four in 10 Brits open to career change with half actively searching for ‘calling' & women most likely to take plunge
NEARLY four in 10 Brits are open to a career move - with half of these actively searching for their "calling." A poll of 2,000 adults found 27 per cent feel they will be ready for a change within the next two years. 4 4 Women are most likely to feel this way, with 58 per cent open to a different role now they have a better idea of what they want to do in life, compared to 44 per cent of men. The main motivation behind changing careers for women was 'chasing a passion or dream' (65 per cent), while men were looking for better pay (58 per cent). But while 54 per cent of women feel it's never 'too late' to move onto a second vocation, only 41 per cent of their male counterparts said the same. It also emerged 52 is the age, on average, respondents considered it 'too late' to switch to a new career. The research was commissioned by British Gas to mark International Women in Engineering Day (23rd June) following its pledge to recruit 3,500 apprentices by 2030 in green roles such as installing electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps. Kirsty Warren, an engineer for the home services brand who switched from a career in social work, said: 'It's never too late to go after what you really want - whether in your personal life or career. 'Changing to engineering at 36 was challenging but incredibly rewarding. 'After years as a social worker, I needed a more hands-on role. 'Engineering always interested me, but like many women my age, I didn't think it was an option when I was younger. 'This research shows that nearly four in 10 Brits are open to a career change, with women leading the way – I completely relate. 'I loved social work, but when it started affecting my wellbeing, I knew it was time to rethink my future and follow what truly inspired me.' The study also found 54 per cent of women know someone who has retrained in later life to embark on a second career, which could have served as inspiration for their own attitudes. Despite this, 35 per cent of women didn't feel they were currently in a position where they could move into a different career without retraining. More women are also keen to shift into an entirely new career or industry compared to men – with a quarter of the latter more focused on starting out on their own through freelancing or setting up a business. Having flexibility (32 per cent) and feeling fulfilled in their career (32 per cent) were also both valued more by women, according to data. While for men, 47 per cent named their main priority as salary, compared to 37 per cent of women. It also emerged 15 per cent of all adults polled believed their current job isn't the right fit for their lifestyle. With the top barriers to making a career change including a fear of leaving their comfort zone (31 per cent), a lack of confidence (31 per cent), and worries about leaving a steady pay cheque (28 per cent). Kirsty Warren from British Gas, which has also committed to hire 500 former armed forces personnel to retrain as engineers, added: 'When I started the apprenticeship scheme, I was met with guidance, patience, and respect – especially from more experienced colleagues who understood I was committed to learning. 'This International Women in Engineering Day, I want to say to any woman wondering if it's too late to try something new: it's not. 'More than half of the women surveyed said the same, so whether you're 26 or 46, if you've found your calling, go after it.' 4 4
