REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | WOMEN IN INDUSTRY
gender stereotypes friends encouraged her to pursue her career. She says: “Companies are taking steps to become more inclusive, and challenge stereotypes. I feel lucky to be pursuing my career at a time when women are becoming more visible, but there are still times when I’m seen as less knowledgeable or competent than my male counterparts, and these perceptions still need to be challenged. “Encouraging women in to get involved starts with good representation. We need to shout about the women who are already in the industry and the fantastic work they do. “This is particularly important for children and young people, who can see from an early age what a real person working in the industry looks like. “It’s important to show the breadth of careers available in the industry, and how there is something to suit all skills, interests and career goals.”
‘Women have a vital role to play’ Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is also encouraging more women to explore a career in the gas industry. The most recent intake for its engineering apprenticeship programme saw a 20 per cent rise in the number of offers being made to female applicants, quadrupling the company’s female engineering workforce. Annie Thompson from Leeds began her career at NGN in an administrative role, but was promoted to operational technician at the NGN gas holder in Leeds after completing a course run by training provider Develop. She says: “I’m on site every day in my hard hat and high-vis, and I make sure that everything is in place for the contractors to do their job safely. I ensure that all the engineering work runs smoothly and to a high standard.” NGN has established a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy within the organisation, and is also a business partner for Solutions
“I make sure that everything is in place for the contractors to do their job safely,” Annie Thompson, NGN
for the Planet; an organisation that brings schools and businesses together to encourage all pupils to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to think about how science can provide solutions to the challenges of sustainability. Growing influence Viessmann is determined to recruit more women. Its Women’s Influence Network (WIN) aims to positively influence cultural change so that both women and men are perceived more in terms of their specific strengths. Men are welcome to be part of
the network, which has more than 100 active members. Initiatives include networking events, seminars, a mentoring programme, and improvements in childcare provision as well as information on maternity and paternity leave. The Network hopes to work with the Viessmann Foundation to speak to young people in schools about opportunities in the heating industry before gender
“We can’t keep doing the same things to encourage new people into the industry and expecting different results – and what’s being done right now just isn’t working,” Mica May, Register of Tradeswomen
“The industry has known for years that we’re facing a serious skills shortage, and it’s only going to get worse as more people retire. We can’t keep doing the same things to encourage new people into the industry and expecting different results – and what’s being done right now just isn’t working. “We have to try something new to make the industry more aspirational. Culturally we’ve been
taught that any job where you get your hands dirty just isn’t desirable. Schoolchildren are told that they are ‘too good’ to go on the tools, and that has to change. “I think if tradespeople were seen as more diverse that would be a big help. Especially when we in the trade know that the perception of a stereotypical plumber doesn’t fit the reality.” https:// registeroftradeswomen.com www.gassaferegister.co.uk 33
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