Manufacturer forms partnership to inspire next generation of female engineers

Falmouth-based Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) is set to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) through a partnership with Goonhilly Earth Station.

Taking place on 23 June, INWED is an annual global initiative to celebrate and raise the profile of female engineers within the industry, driven by the Women’s Engineering Society.

Today (21 June), WMFTG is inviting 62 local primary school children to Goonhilly Earth Station where they will take part in two science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities as well as a site tour of Goonhilly.

One of the activities will see students using using WMFTG’s pumps to dose the right amount of ‘rocket fuel’ that will be used to propel a 3D model space shuttle.

Rachel Pallett, sales director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group, said: “International Women in Engineering Day presents an important opportunity to rebalance diversity in the workplace; and this must start with inspiring younger generations. As women only make up around 12% of the UK’s engineering and technology workforce*, companies like ours must do all we can to promote engineering and STEM roles as exciting, inclusive, and rewarding careers. There are incredible opportunities out there for female engineering and technology professionals; the sky is the limit.”

A networking event has also been organised which will be attended by local council representatives, teachers, WMFTG employees and STEM enthusiasts.

Positive Role Models 

An impressive line-up of inspirational figures are set to talk at the event where they will discuss their career history and roles in the industry as well as how they think we can transform the future.

Expected to be a very popular speaker is Melissa Thorpe, head of Business Engagement and Outreach for Spaceport Cornwall. Melissa has been involved in this ambitious project to deliver safe and low-cost access to space by 2020 since its inception in 2014. A key aspect of the Spaceport Cornwall project is to inspire a generation of young people to take up STEM subjects. 

A keynote speech will be delivered by Lucy Edge, chief operating officer of the Satellite Applications Catapult. With a background in physics and engineering, Lucy is responsible for supporting enterprises across the UK in understanding and exploiting the potential of space and satellites to create opportunities and transform businesses. Lucy’s career has involved the launch of satellites that provide communication for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and building a satellite operations centre in West Cornwall.

WMFTG’s own Dr Sade Mokuolu, group product compliance manager at the company. Sade will share stories from her own impressive professional journey.

Also offering her perspective is Jane Kingston, who for many years served as group human resources director for Compass Group. Jane has worked in a variety of sectors, including roles with Blue Circle Industries, Enodis and Coats Viyella and has significant international experience.

Finally, Trudy Schoolenberg will also address the audience. Trudy has served in high-profile senior management roles at AkzoNobel, Wärtsilä Oy, Royal Dutch Shell and Shell Chemicals.