There’s always a place for you in engineering – INWED 2026

The conversation remains an important one.

According to EngineeringUK, women account for less than one fifth of the UK’s engineering and technology workforce. Progress is being made, but there is still work to do to ensure engineering feels accessible, visible and welcoming to more women. 

As part of this year’s International Women in Engineering Day campaign, we spoke to four female engineers from across our organisation about their experiences. Laila Elsarky, Junior Software Engineer; Rebecca Prestidge, Graduate Research Engineer; Erifyli Vakali and Sophia-Maria Posderie, both currently interns.

Their stories are all unique. They come from different backgrounds, followed their own paths and found inspiration from a range of places. We know engineering thrives on different ideas, perspectives and ways of solving problems. Speaking to them reinforces something we see across engineering more broadly: there is no single route into the profession. Their experiences differ, but each shows how curiosity, opportunity and a willingness to keep learning can lead to a rewarding career in engineering.

The perception of engineering as a predominantly male profession should never be a reason for women to rule themselves out. Visibility is essential. Seeing women thriving in engineering helps challenge outdated assumptions and highlights the opportunities available across the discipline.

Inspiring future engineers is something we strive to support. Through year-round STEM outreach, work experience opportunities and partnerships with schools, colleges and universities, we give more young women the chance to explore engineering, ask questions and see what the profession can offer as well as giving our team the opportunity to share their journeys.

Not every student who takes part in those activities chooses an engineering career and that’s ok. What’s important is that they get the opportunity to explore different paths and understand the potential that awaits them if they choose.

To Sophia, Erifyli, Rebecca and Laila, thank you for sharing your thoughts as part of this year’s campaign and for helping us continue that conversation. Because if their stories show us anything, it’s that there isn’t one way to become an engineer.

And to every woman wondering whether engineering could be the right path for you, we hope the answer is clear.

There is always a place for you in engineering.

“Women in engineering bring diverse perspectives, creativity and help to shape a better future for all. We are very proud of our female engineers and the contributions they make in solving industry’s hypercomplex challenges and as ambassadors for greater representation in engineering.”

Sam Paice, CEO