‘Have confidence in your own ability to try something new’.
That’s the advice of Charlotte Prendergast, mechanical technician apprentice with Phillips 66, to those interested in a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Charlotte, 18, attended Women in Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) aged just 12 and it helped to reiterate her interest in STEM.
Charlotte said: “I thought I wanted a career within STEM as a mechanical engineer, as it was something I’d been exposed to through my family’s participation in automated racing.
“Speaking to employers at WiME helped to confirm that interest.
“I’d encourage anyone considering attending or a future within STEM to explore the possibilities the sector offers to attend WiME and have confidence in your own ability to try something new.
“I gained an apprenticeship through contacts I made at WiME and other employer-led events and I’d really recommend the apprenticeship route to peers.
“It’s provided me with the opportunity to gain interchangeable skills and qualifications whilst earning.”
Charlotte was encouraged to attend WiME by her step-mum, Donna England, a Job Centre Plus skills lead work experience consultant who, through her role, regularly attends WiME events.
Donna said: “I took Charlotte along to WiME as it gave her the chance to explore the career she wanted and speak to employers.
“It had such a positive impact on her that she convinced her school to attend and they have done every year since, providing greater scope for students.
“WiME is a fantastic initiative and seeing how Charlotte has grown from that 12-year-old to now, I cannot begin to explain how proud our family is of her.
“I cannot recommend WiME enough for other parents who have daughters considering a career in STEM.”
WiME is part of Green Port Hull and celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2026. It is hosting a careers fair in Hull’s Guildhall to encourage more girls and young women to explore opportunities in the sector.
Specifically, the WiME event is aimed at:
- Women who are currently employed in other sectors who wish to make a career change
- Those returning to work after a career break
- Girls attending school or college with their parents/carers
- Female students in Higher Education
- Careers advisors for schoolchildren and adults
The careers fair will take place from 3:30-6pm on Tuesday 6 October. You can find out more information and book your place here.
