Minister applauds women in engineering

The Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James has been meeting role models for young women looking to pursue a career in civil engineering.

To mark National Women in Engineering Day, the Institution of Civil Engineers Wales Cymru is organising an event to encourage more women into engineering.

Seeking to address the gender imbalance in this field, the event will consist of a series of three short presentations by female civil engineers showcasing their work.

Ahead of the event, which will be held in Cardiff University, Skills and Science Minister Julie James, along with the Welsh Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor Julie Williams, met with Sophie Jones, Bekki Constantinou-Troake and Alison Graham of Atkins, Cardiff and Maria Gkouma of Mott MacDonald, Cardiff.

Both Bekki and Alison are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Ambassadors and talk to students about their options.

After meeting with the four women already in employment as engineers, Julie James AM, Minister for Skills and Science said:

“There are no reasons why a woman should not actively pursue a career in the field of civil engineering.

“Meeting these four inspirational young people who actively encourage other women to join them in this field of employment, reinforces the need for a National Women in Engineering Day.

“I am looking forward to this evening’s seminar, and hearing more inspirational women encourage others by speaking about their rich experiences in civil engineering.”

The Welsh Government is actively working towards increasing the numbers of women in the science sector.

The Welsh Government commissioned the Talented Women for a Successful Wales report, which was published on International Women’s Day (March 8th). It sought to find ways to encourage more girls and women in Wales to pursue careers in the science sector and made recommendations on the best way to tackle the critical shortage of women in STEM roles in Wales and the UK.

Julie Williams, Chief Scientific Advisor said:

“There are many exciting opportunities for women to develop careers in civil engineering and the salaries are pretty good too.

“It is important we encourage young women and girls to consider these options, there is much that women can bring to designing the environment in which we live.”

Keith Jones, Director, Institution of Civil Engineers Wales Cymru said:

“Civil Engineering is a rewarding, exciting career for all regardless of gender and I am delighted to showcase the kind of work that we as civil engineers do – designing, managing and building the very infrastructures vital to us.

“Whether it is bridges, highways, drainage, structures, civil engineers are at the heart of society.”