The Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) event is returning to Grimsby this March, to inspire women and girls to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
In the Humber region, manufacturing accounts for 17% of employment compared with 8.7% for England, and this number is set to rise thanks to the growing investment in renewable energy. Despite the high demand for people with STEM qualifications, women remain underrepresented in this field.
A career in STEM offers fantastic rewards, including competitive pay, flexibility, career progression, and the opportunity to work with innovative technology and address critical issues like climate change.
The WiME initiative was created to encourage more women and girls to consider STEM careers in manufacturing, engineering, digital, construction and renewable industries. Hosting regular events across the Humber, attendees get the chance to speak to women working at local organisations.
The next WiME careers event will be held at the Humber Royal Hotel in Grimsby on Thursday, 27 March. Students are invited to attend with their school during the day, and the public event is open between 4:30pm and 6pm, for both women thinking of retraining, and young girls to attend with parents/carers. Over 30 local employers are attending including Phillips 66, the Royal Engineers in the British Army and RWE Renewables, many offering current job, apprenticeship, and traineeship opportunities, and will discuss how to start and build a successful career.
The words of the women inspired at the event speak for themselves:
Charlotte Prendergast (left) at Phillips66 and Carrie Grimbleby (right) at ABP.
Charlotte’s story
Charlotte Prendergast was introduced to WiME during a school visit in 2024, but her love for motorsports and mechanical maintenance started at from an early age. She spoke with a mechanical engineer from Phillips 66, learning about his role and the company. Shortly after, she was invited for an interview at Phillips 66, demonstrating the impact of making a good impression at these events.
Charlotte said: “Talking to people with similar backgrounds to me was inspiring. I realised my goals were achievable. Knowledge shared at the WiME event helped me prepare for interviews and sparked my interest to learn.It gave me an opportunity to really talk to people giving an insight into the company and their culture.”
Charlotte offers advice to women attending WiME to be prepared and ask questions to maximise the opportunities available.
Carrie’s story
From working as a science teacher for four years to discovering a desire to work in the renewables sector, Carrie Grimbleby reached out to WiME to take the next step in her career. She was connected with a mentor, Julie, in 2022 and was supported through meetings, career guidance and connections with industry professionals
Carrie recently graduated with a Master’s in Renewable Energy and now works as an Operations Graduate at ABP’s Humber International Terminal (HIT), which processes renewable biomass for Drax power station. Her goal is to secure a role at ABP focused on their renewable strategy.
Carrie credits WiME for their support: “They provided the bridge I needed to transition into the renewables industry.”
Speaking on the success of the initiative, Dr Kirsty Clode, Chair of WiME, said: “There are amazing opportunities in our region, and our events are designed to not only showcase these but dispel any misconceptions about women working in engineering, manufacturing, digital, construction and renewables.
“Here in North East Lincolnshire, there are various rewarding roles from supporting renewables and clean energy, to designing new digital and construction solutions. This is not just limited to large multinational companies, but in smaller local firms too. The women at our Grimsby careers event will tell you all about their careers, including what it’s really like being a woman in these industries, and how you could get the skills and experience you need – it might be easier than you think.
“WiME is not only for the young women leaving education. There is a wealth of roles available 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. We are keen for parents/carers to come along with their daughters to learn about the routes into these industries including apprenticeships.
“Today, many roles call for innovation, problem-solving, adaptability and team working – all of which women are great at,” she added.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Net Zero, Skills and Housing, added: “We are proud to have many highly skilled and talented women in some of our most prominent industries, and we aim to continue fostering this talent.
“This event provides an excellent opportunity for residents of all ages to connect with local employers and explore the fantastic career prospects available right here in our region. With many employers attending the event currently offering vacancies, it’s a valuable chance for students to discover what’s on offer.”
Tickets for the public event are free and can be booked at https://wime2025.eventbrite.com/- external site . For school bookings, contact skills@nelincs.gov.uk.
