Published: 21/06/2021, 14:00
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day with Brammer Buck & Hickman’s engineering heroes
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) highlights the amazing work that women engineers are doing around the world. This year’s INWED, which falls on 23rd June, celebrates these engineers
“We’re profiling the best, brightest and bravest women in engineering, who recognise a problem, then dare to be part of the solution; who undertake everyday ‘heroics’ as much as emergency ones”
Everyone needs heroes, even those that go under the radar! We have plenty of these at Brammer Buck & Hickman, going the extra mile to ensure our customers have the product, services and support they need to keep operations at full production.
Take Lisa Cain, UK Commercial Manager – Engineering. Lisa has worked at Brammer Bick & Hickman for eight years, following in the footsteps of her own personal hero: “My dad worked in engineering and I always had an interest in the work he did from a young age.” Lisa started here as Admin Assistant and has progressed through the ranks to her current senior position.
When it comes to encouraging more women into engineering, Lisa believes campaigns such as INWED are key. “I think campaigns showing women in engineering job roles are really helpful. Maybe somebody who doesn’t know what they want to do, and may not have even considered engineering as a job for them, will see it as a possibility. It really is an interesting job where you can find solutions to problems and achieve something every day.”
Julie Quinton has been with the business even longer - 18 years in total! Julie is our Product Manager for Gearboxes & Motors – UK. She started in an admin role but, over the years of visiting and training with suppliers and doing enquiries, selections etc., she has built up considerable knowledge and last year completed an Open University Course in Engineering.
“When it comes to stereotypes, unfortunately the biggest one is being a woman that is knowledgeable about engineering” Julie comments. “When I tell people that I work in engineering, ‘Really?’ is often the response I get. I still like to have my nails done but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m talking about when it comes to gearboxes! Thankfully a lot of people’s attitudes are changing, but there’s still room for improvement!”
Our expert on all things bearings, Bearings Product Manager Jane Curtis, also found her way in to engineering through an indirect path. Jane achieved a degree in Business Studies before joining a bearings manufacturer and then moving to Brammer Buck & Hickman in 2017. Jane credits her down to earth and flexible approach – as well as her extensive experience - as being key to succeeding in this sector, along with an ability to develop sustainable relationships at all levels.
Christine Haggart, Regional Director for Scotland and the North, has been with the business for five years. “I’m continuously proud of what Brammer Buck & Hickman has achieved” she states. “Through this day of celebration, we can really acknowledge all the ladies that make us who we are.”
But let’s leave the final word on International Women in Engineering Day to a newcomer to engineering, Engineering Apprentice Hollie Evans based in our Wolverhampton Engineering Centre. “I’m not sure if I would have gone into engineering if I didn’t have the opportunity at school. It’s only when I tried it and realised how much I enjoyed it that it became an option. Doing an apprenticeship is ideal as it gives me the opportunity to grow my knowledge and skills and also grow with the company”. But for Hollie, the real challenge hasn’t been gender related, but age: “The biggest challenge has been coming from school to a workplace and having to make adult decisions. It excites and scares me!” Now that’s something we can all relate to!
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