Carrie Grimbleby left teaching last year to study for a Masters Degree in Renewable Energy. She came across WiME when she was looking at job opportunities for when she graduated and, through attending WiME Careers Events, secured her first role in the industry with ABP.
Carrie said: “WiME was recommended to me when I was starting to look for graduate roles. I joined WiME’s Mentorship Programme and attended events, where I was introduced to renewables companies, so I could engage directly with them about entry roles into the industry.
“Now I’m excited to be starting a placement with ABP in their port operations team, an organisation linked closely to the UK’s renewables industry – an opportunity I found via WiME.”
Carrie is encouraging others thinking about a career in manufacturing, engineering, construction, digital or renewable energy to attend WiME’s next Careers Event – which is taking place at the Guildhall in Hull on Wednesday 9th October, from 4.30pm-6pm.
With over 30 of the Humber’s leading employers in attendance, the event will be an opportunity for women, girls and their parents/carers to meet others already working in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, find out about current vacancies, discover what training and qualifications are needed, and learn about apprenticeship opportunities.
Carrie commented: “At the WiME events, I was introduced to women from ABP, Siemens Gamesa, Orsted and RWE, and chatted to them about graduate opportunities. It was great to discover the career paths these women took too, and to have conversations with those who switched careers and went into manufacturing and engineering from other, totally unrelated industries.”
The 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; and careers advisors for school children and adults.
Carrie added: “I want other women to know it is possible to change career and get into manufacturing, engineering or renewables – whatever your age. Don’t be afraid to make that change. WiME is a fantastic starting point. It provides you with access to a network of companies and women who are passionate about what they do and supportive of your development.”
With great pay, a high number of vacancies and attractive prospects, careers in manufacturing and engineering present a wide variety of interesting and exciting roles, which play an important part in our economy.
In the Humber region, manufacturing contributes 17% of our employment compared with 8.7% for England. However, despite the high demand for people with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications, women are under-represented in these roles.
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, construction, digital and renewables. Today many roles call for innovation, problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration – all of which women are great at.
“Across Hull and East Yorkshire there are a wealth of rewarding roles – from supporting renewables and clean energy, to designing new digital 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 are 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 Hull 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.”
Chris Braisby, People Project Manager – Goole, Siemens Mobility Limited, said:
"In establishing the innovative Siemens Mobility Goole Rail Village, we are committed to developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our community and product users. Recognising the need for greater gender balance in manufacturing, overhaul, and engineering, we've partnered with WiME to enhance their informational and educational initiatives.
“From participating in Careers Fairs and visiting schools to offering site tours, we've been thrilled by the positive impact we've had on the community. Our goal is to provide rewarding and diverse engineering careers in the heart of the East Riding of Yorkshire, with exciting opportunities extending globally."
Kristiana Klasena, KCOM Talent Acquisition, said:
"This event is an awesome chance for women and girls to check out the great opportunities in tech and engineering sectors – especially with so much happening right here in our area. We're super excited to be part of the WiME Raising Aspirations Programme alongside industry leaders like Siemens Gamesa and Balfour Beatty. Our team, from IT to field technicians, can’t wait to show how rewarding a career in this growing industry can be.”
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training at Hull City Council, said:
“This is a great opportunity for women and girls in Hull to learn about the employment opportunities in our city.
“The council is keen to help them on their journey in any way it can and I am delighted that we are able to support this event.”
Cllr Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for more women and girls across the East Riding to get into manufacturing and engineering. We’re delighted to support this event, and hope it encourages more women to pursue careers at the Humber’s leading manufacturing companies.”
Tickets for the event are free and can be booked here.
