|
|
|
|
|
|
Women's Engineering Society
e-newsletter January 2014
|
|
|
Welcome to this month's newsletter.
This is the first newsletter of 2014 and we are looking forward to a very exciting year. WES will be celebrating our 95th Anniversary and we will be bring you news on the events coming up.
We are also launching the first National Women in Engineering Day, we will keep you up to date with events and how you can be a part of it. If you are thinking of having an event let us know so we can share it with the WES Community.
And don't forget if you aren't already a WES member why not join a society that continues to inspire and support women in Engineering, Science and Technology.
Best wishes
the e-News team
|
National Women in Engineering Day
WES newsletter readers will be aware that 23 June 2014 is National Women in Engineering Day (NWED), organised to celebrate our 95th anniversary, and we are now looking for your help to ensure that it is as successful as possible in raising the profile of engineering to girls, and celebrating the achievements of women in engineering.
On this day - the first of its kind in the UK - we are calling on you to give your support by organising an event, a visit, issuing a press release, launching a competition, writing a blog, speaking to a group of students, forwarding the call to action, or just tweeting your support.....so once you have decided what you are going to do, it's time to start planning and advertising your event.
Details of the day and a list of ideas is available on the WES website, and a full resource pack will be available very soon to download containing background information, press release templates, statistics, stickers, posters, schools resources and further information to help you decide how you can support the day. And once you have decided, please return the details of your support to WES, where we will be compiling this information.
Look out too for the WES flagship event on Women in Engineering, to take place at IMechE in London on 23 June where speakers already confirmed include Professor John Perkins, Ruth Spellman and speakers from the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, WISE, MBDA and the JCB University Technical College.
Volunteers are still sought to help with the many tasks involved in co-ordinating this awareness day, so please contact Dawn Bonfield if you would like to help.
|
|
|
|
The Magnificent Women (and their flying machines) - Volunteer required
| |
As part of our 95th year anniversary celebrations at the Women's Engineering Society we have a schools outreach event called Magnificent Women (and their flying machines) that we are delivering for the first time on 14 March 2014 in London, which uses Stixx (rolled up newspaper) to build aircraft wing structures, to replicate the work that women did during the First World War. I am looking for some experienced helpers for this event who could help me to deliver it to a hundred or so school students. Bizarre request, I know, but any help would be gratefully received.
Beyond this first event we are looking to deliver this activity more widely to schools in the UK, so if you can't make it to London on 14 March but would be willing to get involved at other schools throughout the year then let me know. Further details can be found here. Additionally, we are looking for women aerospace or aeronautical engineers to complete the activity by speaking to the school students about the work that they currently do, so if you are a woman aerospace engineering willing to get involved then please contact the WES Office.
|
 |
|
Project Work Opportunity
| |
We have an exciting opportunity for some project work that would suit someone, preferably an engineer, with an interest in and knowledge of women in STEM and all the related issues, particularly in the engineering sector. This will be particularly suited to someone who has knowledge and experience of working with Professional Institutions and industry, also of career breaks and the issues faced by returners. We have a grant from BIS to conduct this feasibility study and it may lead to a pilot scheme that will be rolled out during 2014/15 and for which there may be the opportunity of additional work.
The aims and objectives of the project are to:
- To conduct a feasibility study to assess how the Daphne Jackson Fellowship programme could be extended into an industrial setting, looking specifically at the engineering profession.
- This study will be carried out between January 2014 and April 2014
- Outputs from the study should include a detailed proposal for a pilot project which would assess the effectiveness of the fellowship programme in an industrial setting.
It is anticipated that at least 3 days a week would be required to conduct this project and there will be additional support from the Daphne Jackson Trust Office and other Daphne Jackson Trust staff. If this is a project that is of interest please do email Dr Katie Perry with your CV and experience.
They are looking for someone to start as soon as possible so if you are interested please contact Dr Katie Perry as soon as possible. It would be useful to have someone who could work partly from the Daphne Jackson Trust office but that is not essential and she will consider someone who can work from home.
|
|
|
E.ON Engineer Yasmin Ali Receives Women's Engineering Society (WES) Prize at Young Woman Engineer Ceremony
| | |
An operations engineer from London has been announced as the winner of the Women's Engineering Society (WES) Prize 2013.
Twenty five year-old Yasmin Ali, originally from Southwell, is an Operations Engineer at E.ON in London. Yasmin began her engineering career seven years ago when she decided to study Chemical Engineering at Nottingham University, and after graduating she completed the two year E.ON Engineering and Leadership graduate scheme where she worked in coal and gas fired power stations in the UK as well as on business expansion in Istanbul, Turkey.
In March 2012, Yasmin joined E.ON Exploration and Production as an Operations engineer, taking part in and leading a variety of projects for oil and gas assets in the UK North Sea. The projects she looks after range from working out power requirements and purchasing a power unit for an offshore gas platform, to figuring out the optimum way to flow a new gas well.
Alongside her engineering work, Yasmin dedicates much of her time to promoting engineering careers through attending and presenting at schools and arranging work experience placements for students with her company.
The WES Prize is awarded to a young female engineer who is able to engage and inspire young people's involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Yasmin joined five other finalists at The Pullman Hotel, London St. Pancras where the Young Woman Engineer Award Ceremony took place. These awards honour the very best young female engineers working in the UK, and seek to highlight the achievements of women in engineering and encourage others to enter the profession. On the night Yasmin walked away with a trophy, a certificate and cheque for £750. As the winner of this award, Yasmin will become an ambassador for the profession, encouraging more young females to consider engineering as a career.
Dr Carol Marsh, WES President says: "On behalf of WES I would like to congratulate Yasmin Ali on winning the WES Prize. She is an inspiration to us all. I hope she enjoys her year as an ambassador both to WES and engineering."
Alongside her engineering work, Yasmin dedicates much of her time to promoting engineering careers through attending and presenting at schools and career fairs and arranging work experience placements for students with her company. She is a volunteer for OPITO, whynotchemeng and STEMNET and an Industrial Representative for the Institute of Chemical Engineers. Outside of work Yasmin enjoys life to the full by being active through running, cycling and trying out new sports; the most recent of which is kite surfing! She is also keen on stand-up comedy, spending time with friends and family and travelling to new countries and immersing herself in other cultures.
|
|
|
Northwest Automotive Alliance Chief Executive Carol Holden receives OBE in Queen's New Year Honours
| |
Carol Holden, Chief Executive of the Northwest Automotive Alliance (NAA), has received an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours for services to the automotive industry in the North West.
Carol was appointed Chief Executive of the NAA in April 2010, shortly before the announcement that the Northwest Development Agency was to be abolished, along with the funding it provided to the NAA. Despite such challenges, Carol has led the NAA through a period of successful growth and has secured a number of high profile projects for the organisation.
Currently, the NAA has a growing paid membership base, it has more than 100 companies signed up to its ERDF-supported Business Excellence programme, it is managing the STRIVE AMSCI project, in which Bentley Motors is a key partner, and is a member of the Car for Young Drivers consortium, a Technology Strategy Board project.
The annual NAA Awards Dinner is a reflection of the growth of the NAA over recent years. In 2011 the event had 50 attendees; in 2012 there were over 100, and in 2013 there were almost 270 guests, including many individuals from the national automotive industry.
On receiving the news about being awarded an OBE, Carol commented "I am delighted to receive this award and regard it as a huge honour. My main focus over the last few years has been to help with the growth of the North West's automotive industry, and it is gratifying that this effort has been acknowledged. There is still plenty more work to be done and in 2014 I look forward to building on the base that we have developed in order to further capitalise on the strengths of the automotive industry in the region."
Carol started her career at Leyland Truck & Bus, moving on to Eaton Ltd in 1985, where she progressed from roles such as Chief Engineer to a final position of Engineering Manager Europe from 2002-2009, leading and working with engineering teams in multiple facilities across Europe, USA, South America and Asia-Pacific.
Carol is also a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Chair of the Professional Development Standards Committee at the IMechE, and a member of the Women's Engineering Society.
In addition Carol is active in various ways outside of professional life, for example until recently she was an accredited tennis referee and carried out roles such as Captain of the David Lloyd Chorley Junior Tennis Team.
|
|
Survey on Engineering Academic Promotions
|
| |
The Royal Academy of Engineering has commissioned a report looking at how universities recognise and reward staff for teaching excellence. They are seeking feedback from as many people as possible and the study is soon coming to an end. The deadline for responses is 31st January.
If you can please complete the survey online by clicking here.
More information on the study can be found on the Royal Academy of Engineering's education page.
|
|
|
Do you want to put Engineering in the headlines?
|
|
Are you a practising researcher? Do you want to put science or engineering in the headlines? Then the British Science Association Media Fellowships are for you. Media Fellows work with professional journalists in media outlets such as the BBC and The Guardian to produce well informed, newsworthy pieces about STEM. Application are open until 16 March. Visit the website for details about the scheme, including eligibility and an online application form.
Application deadline: 16 March 2014
|
|
|
The Royal Society's diversity programme: A call for best practice case studies
| |
Do you work in science, technology, engineering, maths or medicine (STEMM)? Are you an employer in a STEMM or a STEMM-related sector with real-life examples or case studies that have increased the diversity of your workforce?
The Royal Society want to hear about the best recruitment and retention initiatives in the UK, those you are most proud of because of the difference they have made, and in return help bring you the recognition you deserve.
To download a case study submission form and for further details, click here
Send your completed case study by Friday 28 February 2014.
|
|
|
CaSE Opinion Forums
| | |
The immigration meeting is the first in a series of CaSE Opinion Forums over the coming year, to develop policy work and manifesto recommendations in the run-up to the 2015 General Election and subsequent Spending Review. As well as immigration, the other events will be on diversity, research funding, education, and scientific advice in government.
The Opinion Forum on diversity will be held at King's College London on 27th February.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to consult with members and partners from across industry and academia on a near-completed CaSE diversity report - a five year update on our 2008 Delivering Diversity report. As well as informing the actions called for in the report, the discussions will help to shape the key asks relating to diversity in the working briefs CaSE will be sending to the leaders of each of the main political parties later in the year.
We'll be announcing further details on our Opinion Forum series shortly. If you would like more information in the meantime please see our 2015 General Election Strategy
|
|
|
SHINING A LIGHT ON THE UK'S PIONEERING FEMALE TALENT
|
| |
Call for nominations for the 2014 First Women Awards
The search is on to discover the women who have been breaking new ground throughout the UK, across all sectors and industries - from science and the professions to media and public service.
The First Women Awards celebrate these achievements and hold them up to inspire the next generation.
Created in 2005 by Real Business and the CBI and held in association with Lloyds Banking Group, the 2014 awards are now open for nominations.
Last year's awards recognised a host of 'first women' who have broken down barriers to achieve great things. In recognition of her huge charitable contributions, founder of the Alzheimer's Society Morella Kayman MBE was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award for her work improving the lives of those affected by the disease over the past 34 years.
Other notable winners in 2013 were Judith Hackitt, the first female chair of the Health and Safety Executive, who the judges described as "doing more to promote manufacturing...in the UK than any other woman" and Dawn Elson, the first female head of engineering at Gatwick Airport.
Trailblazing winners from throughout the awards' history include Laura Lee, founder of the UK's leading network of cancer support hubs, Maggie's Centres, and Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish, who took the Retail and Consumer award in 2012 for changing the face of how we access independent, creative businesses after setting up Notonthehighstreet.com.
Katja Hall, Chief Policy Director CBI, said: "A diverse workforce which fully harnesses the talents of women is really important to business success and is a priority issue for the CBI this year. We're proud to support the First Women Awards, which are an excellent source of inspiration for ambitious women."
Fiona Cannon OBE, Diversity & Inclusion Director, Lloyds Banking Group, said: "At Lloyds Banking Group we are passionate about promoting the achievements of the women we work with, both our own employees and our customers. Our partnership with the First Women Awards means we can help identify and celebrate the very best female talent.
"Many of the UK's boundary-pushers are women and we believe that helping them to succeed, and shouting about it when they do, will be a huge driver in ensuring that our workplaces are as diverse as the communities we serve."
Amy Carroll, Group Editor, Real Deals and Real Business said: "Though cracks are beginning to appear, there is still very much a glass ceiling to be shattered by today's working women. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of those who are pushing ahead and making their mark in what are often traditionally male-dominated environments. Thanks to these women we will ensure a more equal and inspiring world for the next generation."
The closing date for entries is Friday April 4, 2014, with the awards ceremony taking place at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on Thursday June 12, 2014.
For information on how to enter the awards, visit the website
|
|
|
And finally....
If you have any articles that you would like to have featured please contact the WES Office.
We'd love to hear your stories of ideas to inspire young people, schools outreach activities and projects you are working on that we can share across the WES community.
Don't forget to forward our e-newsletter to your friends and contacts, male or female and help to inspire more young women to consider engineering and technology as a career.
With good wishes
the e-News team.
|
|
WES would like to thank its supporters and sponsors, particulary the IET, DP World London Gateway, Malvern Instruments, National Grid, Arup, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Selex and GE.
|
|
|
Are you a WES Member?
If not click here to find out why you should be!
It costs a pound a week and helps us to do our work to promote engineering and technology amongst women and girls. |
|
|
Women's Engineering Society Scottish Circle, Programme of events, 2013-14
| |
WES - Welcoming, entertaining, sustaining
WES exists to promote engineering to women but also to encourage those already in the profession, to this end we have series of events throughout the year in the West of Scotland.
Fri, in Feb, - ROLLS ROYCE VISIT - GLASGOW
DETAILS TBC
6th Mar, 6pm - ICE Lecture - GLASGOW
"Legacy projects for the Commonwealth games - integrated water management"
McCance lecture theatre, University of Strathclyde
Mar, - AIRCRAFT CARRIER VISIT - ROSYTH
Details to be confirmed
Thu, 3rd Apr, 6pm - Wine, invention and conversation - GLASGOW
Join us for an evening of having a go at building things whilst drinking wine. We intend to borrow some kits and KNEX and have a go. A great place to meet other professionals, ideal for any students out there. Details of location nearer the time.
Sat 28th Apr, 1pm - Visit to DISCOVERY - DUNDEE
A Saturday outing for all the family.
May, - WATER TREATMENT WORKS VISIT - GLASGOW
Details to be confirmed
May June 1pm - Museum of communication - Burntisland
Summer day out.
Sat 9th Aug, 1-4pm - Summer afternoon get together in Glasgow
including tea and cake, kids and families are welcome, this is where we plan the next years activities.
23rd Jun Engineering Women's day
We will do something - any ideas please get in contact
If you are joining us for an event please drop an e-mail to the WES Scottish circle secretary, Anne at
WES
All visits are free for WES members but a small donation from non-members is appreciated to help towards the organising of events.
|
|
|
Job Vacancies
| |
WES is currently advertising on the website five new job vacancies
National Express are currently seeking an Engineering Manager based in Wolverhampton
Synnogy are looking for a Project Leader/ Consultant in New and Renewable Energy
Ontic UK are looking for a General Support Engineer and a Mechanical Support Engineer
University of Birmingham are seeking a Research Fellow in Water Engineering
For more details on all the above vacancies and how to apply please visit the WES Jobs page on the website.
|
|
|
The Sir George Macfarlane Medal - Nominations open.
| | |
The Sir George Macfarlane Medal recognises the potential of engineers working in the UK, who have demonstrated excellence in the early stage of their career (less than eight years since graduation from a first degree in engineering). This excellence is marked by a quality of leadership and/or technical and scientific attainment that is clearly seen to be outstanding by their employers and organisation.
For more details visit the Royal Academy of Engineering website.
The closing date for nominations is Monday 24 February 2014.
|
|
WIBSE Workshops
| |
WIBSE will be running a series of confidence workshops intended to address problems of low confidence which can hold back women's careers.
The sessions will be delivered by Joanna Bielecka (Master coach and trainer) and will be held at London South Bank University on Wednesday evenings 6-9pm starting on Wednesday 29th January
.
For booking and more info please see our website
|
|
Speakers required
|
|
Women in Construction are holding a workshop on 11th March 2014 in Scotland and require speakers. If you interested please contact Dawn Bonfield at the WES Office.
|
|
The AeroMSc Bursary Scheme: launch your career in UK aerospace
| | |
If you will graduate in 2014 with a good STEM degree, why not consider aerospace engineering?
'A degree in maths, physics or a related science, technology or engineering discipline is ideal,' said Angela Ringguth, RAeS Project Manager of the Aero MSc Bursary Scheme, 'because it gives the theoretical foundation on which to build practical and specialised skills the leading employers are looking for.'
If your application is successful, the scheme will pay tuition fees, up to a maximum of £9,500 for your chosen MSc - the list of eligible programmes is shown on the website. First you need to research the sector and decide which of the six main disciplines interests you and will fit best with your knowledge and skills so far. They are structures, systems, manufacturing, maintenance, aerodynamics and propulsion. Then apply to your chosen MSc programme.
You can submit your application to the bursary scheme while you are waiting for your offer of an MSc place.
Competition has been fierce in the first round, so you are advised to get your application in as soon as possible.
Experience shows that applicants who have already investigated the sector stand a much better chance of success, so you are recommended to contact one of the bursary scheme partners to obtain a letter of support from them - their contact details are given in the FAQ section of our website
|
|
|
Lesley Yellowlees is awarded a CBE
| |
IOP fellow Prof. Lesley Yellowlees has been awarded a CBE in the 2014 New Year's Honours. Prof. Yellowlees is the first female president of the Royal Society of Chemistry and is vice-principal and head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. She received the award "for services to chemistry".
|
|
|
Project 28-40 Focus Groups. Making Your Voice Heard
| |
In November 2013, Project 28-40 was launched, the largest ever UK survey of women at work
The survey was an overwhelming success, with 25,000 women and men across UK & ROI participating. Thanks to those of you who participated in the survey.
Opportunity Now is now conducting in-depth analysis of the survey findings.
As part of the next phase, they will be running ten focus groups to explore the emerging themes of the survey in more detail.
Focus groups will take place from 11th-28th February. The groups will be arranged by theme or demographics. They will hold focus groups in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Bristol.
Opportunity Now needs the following people to participate:
- Women aged 28-40 (including women in senior roles, mid/junior roles, women not in work, women working flexibly, women working full time)
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real contribution to the project.
Opportunity Now is interested to hear your views and experiences - please make your voice heard!
It does not matter if you did not take part in the survey, you can still contribute your views in a focus group.
*HOW TO APPLY*
Please go to the website to complete the booking form.
It is likely that groups will get booked up quickly; therefore we would encourage you to apply for the focus groups before Friday 31st January.
|
|
|
Engineering Integrity Society Instrumentation, Analysis and Testing Exhibition.
| |
The Silverstone Wing, Silverstone Race Track
18th March 2014, 10am-4pm
Over 50 exhibitors will present the latest advances in measurement analysis and testing technology in aerospace, automotive, motor-sport, rail, off-highway, mechanical handling, industrial and power generation industries. Visitors will be able to discuss these developments and their applications in an informal atmosphere with exhibitors.
Open Forums include:
* 3D Printed Components - use in Stress Analysis and as Structural Components
* Successes and Future Challenges in Vehicle Dynamics
* The Effect on Component Life and Performance of Manufacturing Induced Residual Strain
* Gearbox Noise and Life Monitoring
Guest panels comprising experts from industry and academia will expand on the technical developments & take questions from the floor.
If you are interested in attending please pre-register by emailing or visiting the website This will ensure you reserve a place at the technical events.
If you wish to exhibit please email or call 01572 811315.
|
|
| The Engineering and Physical Research Council - applicants required for Strategic Advisory Teams | |
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is seeking applications from industrialists, academics and individuals working in the third sector and government organisations to join Strategic Advisory Teams (SATs), across the range of EPSRC's Themes.
In addition, EPSRC, on behalf of partner Research Councils, is seeking applications for the RCUK Energy Theme's Strategic Advisory Committee (SAC) and the Digital Economy Theme's Programme Advisory Board (PAB).
Strategic Advisory Teams exist to provide Theme Leaders at EPSRC with strategic advice that will assist them to develop, implement and modify plans. The Energy SAC and Digital Economy PAB perform the same function for the respective cross-Research Council Programmes. These bodies consist of up to 16 members, depending on the needs of the Theme/Programme. They are devised as a flexible resource, enabling Theme Leaders to obtain the advice they need in a timely manner, drawing on a range of perspectives from across our key stakeholder groups. Further information and terms of reference for SATs can be found on the EPSRC website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
