Published: 05/03/2021, 16:30

Smashing Stereotypes with Libby Peacock as part of British Science Week

 

5-14th March is British Science Week and this year Brammer Buck & Hickman is pleased to be joining in with their ‘Smashing Stereotypes’ campaign, designed to showcase the diversity of the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce, and the broad range of careers available.

 

When you think of a scientist or an engineer, the common stereotype is a white male. If you don’t fit this profile there’s a good chance you won’t see this as a potential career choice. That’s why tackling these outdated stereotypes are so important. The ‘Smashing Stereotypes’ campaign aims to do just that and, in doing so, create a more diverse and inclusive future.

 

The ‘Smashing Stereotypes’ campaign encourages employees to share stories about their day-to-day work, to showcase the diversity of the STEM workforce, the broad range of jobs and careers available, and that those working in STEM based industries are just like you. Libby Peacock is a Brammer Buck & Hickman Category Manager specialising in Pneumatics and here is her story.

 

Libby accidently got into engineering when she took a telesales job for an engineering company and found she had a previously unknown passion for engineering! It’s true that women are still hugely under represented in the engineering sector, but Libby knows it doesn’t have to be that way with the right environment.

 

“Since joining Brammer Buck & Hickman, I’ve had immense support and encouragement; I feel like I’m thriving here and there aren’t any limitations to my progress. I’ve never been treated differently for being a woman - my experience has been brilliant. Be it top level management meetings or customer presentations, I feel like my technical abilities are trusted and I’m not undermined in any way.

 

“I love my job as each day’s demanding, different and interesting. I get the opportunity to meet and discuss projects with world class manufacturers (suppliers and customers) which is so exciting. I’ve also been supported with my own ideas and have been running practical ‘REHAB’ compressed air workshops to help stop customers’ money evaporating into thin air. On-site and now with virtual workshops I help businesses everywhere make cost-effective changes to their compressed air systems. The training package focuses on simple, low-cost modifications that won’t affect a machine’s performance. I tailor the workshops to customer needs.”

 

Libby strives to be an advocate for women in engineering and is proactive when it comes to opening the door for women in this sector. “A few years ago, one of our major customers contacted us after just 10% of its 22,000 applicants were women; they wanted to do something about this and asked if we wanted to help. I jumped at the opportunity to attend their Women in Engineering open day. I spent the day talking to the applicants about opportunities, rewards and satisfaction for women working in engineering. To my delight female applicant numbers greatly increased in the factory!

 

“Last year was a special year for me after being nominated as a finalist in the Innovates through STEM category as part of the Woman Who Achieves Awards 2020. This award is given to a businesswoman that has embraced a STEM subject within their role and have used this to innovate within the business. I was absolutely honoured to be made a finalist for this award! It’s great recognition - not just to me but to women in STEM throughout Brammer Buck & Hickman and across the UK.

 

“I will continue to encourage more women into engineering and for anyone to look at a career in engineering with an open mind.”