As an engineering recruiter, I hear a wide range of stories from people working across the sector—some smooth, some full of twists, and others that offer a fresh perspective on where the industry is heading.
Anna’s journey into engineering is one of those stories. Soon to be starting as a Maintenance Engineer at a manufacturing company, we sat down to chat about her background, her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, and what she thinks the industry can do to better support future talent.
Her path into engineering wasn’t straightforward, but it’s exactly that lived experience that makes her story so valuable. Whether you’re just starting out or you're looking at how to bring more diversity to your team, there’s something in here worth paying attention to.
From Farm Life to Fault-Finding
Anna’s hands-on skills started early. Growing up on a farm gave her a natural love for practical work, with her dad working as an electrical engineer and her brother going into mechanical engineering—it was a career path that felt both familiar and exciting.
“It was a good, solid career to go into. I had the passion, and I’d seen my dad and brother go down similar paths. It just made sense.”
Like many engineers, her journey didn’t follow a textbook path. She began A-levels, realised they weren’t for her, and missed the enrolment window for her preferred apprenticeship. Anna ended up taking a business apprenticeship with an engineering firm but knew it wasn’t the right fit.
“I wasn’t interested in business—I knew I wanted to be on the tools. I left after six months and moved on to Kimberly-Clark. That’s when things really started clicking into place.”
Kimberly-Clark
Anna spoke really positively about her time at Kimberly-Clark. While her direct team was male-dominated, she saw women thriving in engineering roles across the site. More importantly, the business actively pushed for diversity. “They were genuinely supportive. If you were keen and willing, they gave you real responsibility. I felt pushed—in a good way.”
Advice to Women in the Industry
I asked Anna what advice she’d give to other women coming into engineering, especially those starting apprenticeships. Her answer was spot on:
“Some people still have the mindset that engineering is just for men—but times are changing. You’ve got to use that as fuel, not let it hold you back. Technology’s moved on too—it’s not about brute strength anymore. It’s about being smart, capable, and passionate.”
While Anna feels the tide is turning, she believes companies need to keep challenging outdated views—especially from older generations still in the workplace.
“Employers need to be proactive. It’s not enough to say you support diversity—you’ve got to show it in how people are treated, trained, and promoted.”
Why Her Story Matters
Placing Anna in her new role felt like more than just ticking a box—it was helping someone continue a journey she’s worked hard to build. And for me, stories like Anna’s are a reminder of why championing inclusion in engineering is so important.
She’s not an exception—she’s part of a new generation shaping the future of the industry.
Are you an engineer ready for your next move—or an employer looking to build a more diverse team? Let’s talk. I’m always happy to chat, share insights, or help you take the next step.
