Empowering Women in Manufacturing: Insights from Ahead Partnership, Sulzer, Leeds Welding Company and E3 Recruitment

Today is International Women in Engineering Day, recently we have engaged in conversations with our clients and women working within their organisations to explore their experiences as women in engineering and identify ways the industry can enhance its appeal to attract more women into STEM careers.

Recruiting a diverse workforce has become a key priority for HR professionals, as it not only reflects social responsibility but also increases organisations’ attractiveness to potential employees. Over the years, we have observed a clear correlation between diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and business performance, innovation, and staff retention.

E3 Recruitment, in partnership with Ahead Partnership, recently hosted a webinar on women in manufacturing as part of the Manufacturing Futures Virtual Summit, held during the Leeds Manufacturing Festival. The webinar was hosted by Faron Convey from Ahead Partnership and brought together industry professionals, Debbie from Leeds Welding Company and Tyra from Sulzer, to discuss their career journeys, challenges faced as women in manufacturing, and ways to encourage more women to join the industry.This article provides an overview of the key insights shared during the webinar.

Natalie Hodgson, HR Business Partner for Sulzer Services says, “As a business, we are recognising more and more that local partnerships and a high level of exposure to people at a young age are very important to future proof our industry. Encouraging young women to consider the many opportunities within Manufacturing for individuals with a variety of interests and skillsets is crucial to both building our brand as a potential upcoming employer, but also ensuring that we engage with exciting talent at an early stage. This year has been a turning point for us; Our work with events such as Leeds Manufacturing Festival and GirlTech have shown us the bright, engaging and determined young women and men that will make up our workforce of the future.”

Diverse Career Paths:

Debbie, an industrial spray painter at Leeds Welding, shared her journey into manufacturing. Inspired by her father’s business in powder coating, she developed a passion for the trade. Her experience working in different roles, from driving vans to powder coating, eventually led her to specialise in industrial spray painting. Tyra, Production Planning Supervisor at Sulzer, started as an apprentice and diversified her career path by taking on various roles within the company. Both women highlighted the wide range of opportunities available in manufacturing, from technical positions on the shop floor to administrative and managerial roles.

Challenges and Overcoming Stereotypes:

Tyra discussed the challenges she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated industry. She highlighted the importance of standing her ground and establishing respect from her colleagues. Tyra emphasised the need for young women entering the industry to assert themselves and make it clear that they are there to contribute and excel. Debbie, on the other hand, mentioned that she was fortunate to have been accepted as “one of the lads” and did not face significant challenges due to her gender.

Addressing Misconceptions and Encouraging Participation:

Both Debbie and Tyra highlighted the need to address misconceptions about manufacturing that may deter women from pursuing careers in the field. Tyra stressed that manufacturing encompasses a wide range of roles beyond manual labor, including planning, procurement, project management, HR, and engineering. Companies and educational institutions need to communicate the diverse opportunities available and emphasise that women’s skills and contributions are valued in all aspects of manufacturing.

Building Inclusive Environments:

Debbie emphasised the importance of providing basic facilities, such as suitable toilets and changing rooms, to make the workplace inclusive for women. Tyra mentioned the need for companies to ensure that information about maternity schemes and support is readily available and easily accessible. Additionally, fostering an understanding of women’s unique challenges, such as hormonal fluctuations, and providing support and flexibility can contribute to a more inclusive environment.

Promoting Awareness and Dialogue:

To encourage more women to consider manufacturing careers, Tyra and Debbie emphasised the importance of creating awareness and having open discussions about the industry. Tyra suggested that manufacturers should allocate dedicated time and effort to attract women, going beyond token gestures and involving women in all levels and departments of the organisation. Promoting conversations in schools and communities about the breadth of opportunities available can also help dispel misconceptions.

Talking to Tyra about her greatest achievements, she says ‘My biggest learning curve and challenge has been progressing to a supervisory role when I am so young and managing people that have worked in the industry/department a lot longer than me was very nerve-racking and probably one of my biggest challenges so far. Naturally worrying about the impression I will make and making sure I am respected by my team whilst also learning on the job.

I have always liked a challenge and I like new things to learn. Planning is forever evolving and innovating, it’s always a challenge and no two days are the same. That’s what I love about it and because our department is always looking to improve it’s a very nice feeling to help the business grow and be part of positive change.’

Tyra’s advice for young women looking to start in engineering ‘Go for it, you have nothing to lose, be confident and the sky’s the limit. You can make it whatever you want, you need to have faith in your own ability and not to be scared to challenge. Engineering isn’t just maths and physics – there are so many different types of engineering and there are so many different roles within the engineering industry. Jobs like Planning, Scheduling, Finance, Tendering, Procurement, Projects, the opportunities are endless.’

The Women in Manufacturing webinar, hosted by E3 Recruitment in collaboration with Ahead Partnership, provided valuable insights into the experiences of women working in the industry. Debbie and Tyra’s stories showcased the diverse career paths and opportunities available in manufacturing. The webinar highlighted the need for companies to create inclusive environments, address misconceptions, and actively promote the participation of women. By taking these steps, the manufacturing industry can attract and retain talented women who will contribute to its growth and success.