‘Inventors and innovators’ is the theme for this year’s International Women in Engineering Day, and although engineering is an industry typically, or rather, stereotypically, dominated by men, we’re beginning to see an increase in female engineers.

Latest figures show that approximately, just 14.5% of all engineers are female and whilst the industry has seen a steady increase in the number of women within engineering roles across the UK, there is of course, more work to be done.

Recent years have seen a number of strains occur within the industry, one of which being the STEM skills gap, which has contributed to the lack of female engineers, and this is just one of the many ways adi Group aims to make a difference.

James Sopwith, Group Strategic Account Director at adi Group celebrates this year’s International Women in Engineering Day, whilst also setting the tone for the industry moving forwards.

He said, “It’s great to see the females within the industry being celebrated, and it’s incredible that we are finally in a place where women are no longer restricted when it comes to their careers – and that’s no different for the world of engineering and construction.”

It takes a female engineer to inspire others, and adi Group has successfully onboarded a number of inventive and innovative recruits – both as apprentices and as full-time employees.

inventive and innovative recruits – both as apprentices and as full-time employees.

With numerous years of experience as a test and inspection engineer, Melissa Britchford is a fine example of how the wider engineering industry can and should be looking towards a female future.

Passionate about encouraging more women to enter the workforce, Melissa says, “A career in engineering can be incredibly rewarding, and we shouldn’t let stigma and stereotypes hold us back.

It’s incredibly encouraging for females who want to work in engineering to watch other women thrive and have strong examples to look up to.”

Alongside Melissa, adi Group has also welcomed a plethora of female engineers, but James and the wider Group are keen for this figure to increase further.

He said, “We love that adi Group has become a workplace for female engineers to learn, grow and develop, but we don’t want it to stop there - there is much more to be done.

“All of our female engineers and employees are an inspiration to the younger generation, and we’re incredibly proud to have them on board.”

Having introduced a Responsible Business Committee to the firm, adi Group is keen to move away from a male-orientated workplace.

Leanne Antrobus, Fleet and QHSE Coordinator and Diversity and Inclusion Champion at adi Group is passionate about encouraging women into the field. She said:

“Despite fleet having the reputation as a male-dominated profession, I have never let this hold me back from doing what I enjoy. 

“We really need to end the stigma around male-orientated jobs, especially as there is so much evidence to suggest that women are just as successful.

“We hope to inspire more females to work within the business and give them the same opportunities to flourish and progress.”