Women in Engineering Day: Celebrating Role Models Who Inspire Change

At E3 Recruitment, we believe that visibility creates possibility – especially when it comes to women in engineering. For Women in Engineering Day 2025, we are proud to spotlight the remarkable women across our network who are leading change, challenging perceptions, and paving the way for the next generation.

Leadership Starts at the Top

Our Director,  Tracie Norton, is a clear example of the powerful impact women can make in leadership within engineering and manufacturing. With over two decades of experience, Tracie has not only built a strong reputation for her expertise, but also for her dedication to championing others – particularly women – within the sector.

Through mentoring, leadership, and a commitment to inclusive business practices, Tracie continues to demonstrate the importance of representation at the top. She is a role model for many, both within E3 Recruitment and across the wider industry, inspiring confidence and ambition in those looking to build successful careers in male-dominated sectors.

Recognising Rising Stars at the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards

This year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival (LMF) Awards were a powerful reminder of the talent and potential that exists among young people entering the sector. E3 Recruitment is proud to support these awards and help showcase the achievements of emerging talent – many of whom are women breaking through into engineering and technical roles.

Among those recognised:

• Isabella Pearce, joint winner of the Rising Star award from DS Smith, was praised for her impactful work in sustainable packaging and her drive to innovate early in her career.
• Keira Barrass, joint Rising Star from The Leeds Welding Company, impressed judges with her technical ability and commitment to progressing in the manufacturing industry.
• At AW Hainsworth, a client and supporter of the festival, several young women were nominated across key categories including Rising Star and Apprentice of the Year. Amy (Quality Technician), Katie (Trainee Colour Application Technician), and Nicole (Engineering Apprentice) all stood out for their dedication, skill, and enthusiasm for the future of engineering.

These women are not only building successful careers – they’re helping redefine what the future of the industry looks like.

Client Spotlight: Ellie Wilson at Sulzer

One of the most inspiring stories shared with us this year comes from Sulzer in Leeds, where apprentice Ellie Wilson is proving that determination, skill, and passion can be a powerful combination.

Driven by the lack of female representation in the industry, Ellie chose to pursue a path in engineering not only to challenge the norm, but to prove that her love of maths, science, and understanding how things work could lead to a meaningful and fulfilling career.

“Engineering seemed like the perfect pathway,” Ellie explained. “I knew it was something I’d be capable of.”

Since joining Sulzer, Ellie has already contributed to major projects in inspection and quality engineering. She completed her Level 3 qualification ahead of schedule and is currently on track to achieve a distinction in the first year of her HNC. In addition to her technical achievements, she regularly participates in careers fairs to share her journey and encourage other young women to consider engineering.

Ellie’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with curiosity, commitment, and support. She is not only succeeding as an engineer – she’s inspiring others to believe they can too.

Why Stories Like These Matter

From senior leadership to apprentices just starting out, stories like those of Tracie, Ellie, Isabella, Keira, Amy, Katie, and Nicole demonstrate the depth and breadth of talent women bring to engineering.

They matter because they create visibility. Because they challenge assumptions. And because they show that engineering isn’t just a viable option for women – it’s a place where they can lead, innovate, and thrive.

Our Commitment

At E3 Recruitment, we remain committed to promoting gender diversity across engineering and manufacturing. Whether through our involvement with initiatives like the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, our support of clients who champion inclusivity, or the way we amplify the stories of women across the sector, our focus is clear: to help build a future where women in engineering aren’t the exception – they’re the norm.

This Women in Engineering Day, we honour the progress made – and the women making it happen.