Women in engineering: Former teacher pursues new career in renewable energy
NEW ROLE: Carrie Grimbleby
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
A former science teacher has channelled her passion for the planet into a new career in renewable energy, with the help of Green Port Hull’s Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) initiative.
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 careers in manufacturing, engineering, construction, digital or renewable energy to attend WiME’s next careers event, which is taking place at the Guildhall on Wednesday, October 9, from 4.30pm-6pm.
EXCITED: Carrie has started work at ABP
With over 30 of the Humber’s leading employers in attendance, the event will be an opportunity for women, girls and their parents and 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 said: “At the WiME events, I was introduced to women from ABP, Siemens Gamesa, Ørsted 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, along with their parents and carers
Female students in higher education
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.”
In the Humber region, manufacturing contributes 17 per cent of employment compared with 8.7 per cent 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 and 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.”
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.”
Councillor Linda Tock, portfolio holder for 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.”
Tickets for the event are free and can be booked here.