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Women's Engineering Society
e-newsletter November 2014
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Welcome to this month's newsletter.
We have a been having a busy month and there is plenty to read about. The WES Student Conference is taking place this weekend at Aston University, next month we will let you know all the news.
Two of our supporters have sent us articles on what they have been doing, read them below.
The WES AGM takes place on 29th November 2014, all members are welcome to attend, for more details see below.
To keep right up to date follow WES on Twitter @wes1919
If you have any news or events that you would like to share with the WES Community please get in touch.
And don't forget if you're not already a WES member why not join a society that continues to inspire and support women in Engineering, Science and Technology. Our target is 950 new members to mark our 95th year!
Best wishes
the e-News team
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WES AGM 2014
The WES 2014 AGM will be held on Saturday 29 November 2014 at 2pm at:
Institution of Engineering and Technology, 80 Cambridge Street, Birmingham, B1 2NP.
Further details of the Preliminary Notice, Proposals and nomination forms can be found on the WES website All members are very welcome to come along, and we would be grateful if you could let us know if you are planning to attend so that we can get an idea of numbers for refreshments. Please email Cath
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100 Years of Women in Transport
WES is proud to be working on the '100 YOWIT' campaign to highlight the careers that women have been involved in in the transport industry over the past 100 years. A draft summary of this project can be read by clicking here. If you would like to get involved, or receive further details please get in touch with Dawn Bonfield
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Talent 2030 National Engineering Competition for Girls
WES is proud to be one of the supporters of the Talent 2030 Engineering Competition for Girls.
Entries for the competition is now open so if you are a girl aged 11-18 with a passion for Engineering or Manufacturing why not enter now.
Talent 2030 National Engineering Competition for Girls is a FREE competition offering you the chance to win £500 for yourself and £500 for your school.
For more information on the competition and details on how to enter click here
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News From Our Supporters
Workingmums.co.uk has announced the winners of its fifth annual Top Employer Awards, celebrating the leading companies in gender diversity and flexible working.
The Top Employers Award for Innovation in Flexible Working - sponsored by last year's winner Atkins - went to BAE Systems Maritime Naval Ships. The judges praised BAE Systems for taking action on flexible working in a very traditional, male-dominated sector.
BAE Systems' Naval Ships business is a shipbuilding organisation which is highly unionised with a traditional command and control culture. Over the past two years, BAE Systems has embraced a programme of change, commencing with the appointment of a full time HR Manager for Diversity and Inclusion, who led the implementation of a new flexible working approach called 'Smart Working' in October 2013. Although flexible working policies and practices are common amongst executive populations in large organisations, introducing the extensive levels of true flexibility for both executive and professional level employees is innovative and complementary to BAE Systems' values of innovative, trusted and bold. The policy reduces core hours to just a 2.5 hour window and allows employees to take "pop-outs" of up to 1 hour at any time of the day that they choose for any purpose.
Smart Working provides a range of flexible working options that recognise the needs of employees individually, as well as the requirements of teams and the business. Smart Working looks at environments, technology and different forms of collaboration. It also promotes work life integration and empowers employees to manage their workload in a way which suits the needs of the business and their own personal style and circumstances. Through creating a supportive culture and working environment, employees feel confident in utilising the flexible working options available whilst also ensuring business needs are fulfilled.
The friendly and social Award evening gave all those attending an opportunity to network and share best practice. A Q&A session was attended by Emma Nabb, HR Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, representing industry. Emma answered questions ranging from the potential impact of Shared Parental Leave on the business, to how to embed a flexible working "way of life" into a traditional shipbuilding business.
Also in attendance were Michael Brennan, Head of Resourcing, BAE Systems UK, Andrew Smith, HR Director, BAE Systems Naval Ships, Jo Scullion, Continuous Improvement Project Manager for Recruitment Services, BAE Systems and Khayyam Aslam, Sourcing & Attraction at AMS.
Instron's Women's Business Network - University Initiative
Founded in 2011, Instron's Women's Business Network (WBN) was established by a diverse team of women at Instron's UK headquarters in High Wycombe. As one of the leading manufacturers of materials testing equipment, Instron aimed to create a network that would develop a more diverse workplace; encouraging women to consider a career within the engineering field, and challenging the perception of gender bias within the industry.
These activities led to the creation of an exciting University Initiative to encourage both male and female graduates to apply, stay and advance within the organisation. The WBN have been rolling the program out at graduate recruitment events across the country, giving us the chance to introduce more students to Instron, and the wide range of opportunities we have within the company.
Instron and the WBN are thrilled to announce that this year we have two new female graduates on board with us as part of our 2014 Graduate Intake Program, who will have the opportunity to experience working within a variety of functions across the organisation before settling into a permanent role with us.
This is what our graduates have to say about their experience so far...
"During the first few months of the graduate scheme, I had the opportunity to spend a week in each department of Instron. This has been very beneficial because I have gained valuable experience from a wide breadth of different functions, allowing me to develop fantastic commercial understanding of the business. Following the rotational phase of Instron's Graduate Scheme, I will then have the opportunity to experience both an engineering and commercial role, for six months at a time, which will give me an even greater insight."
"During my time spent in the Engineered Systems department I actually had the opportunity to work closely on a customer project, specifically investigating high temperature grips. This project allowed me to develop my CAD skills, but also provided the chance to see how machines are tailored for customer requirements and how cost is factored into the creation of new solutions. As a result of the scheme I have had the chance to work with a variety of different people and really value the opportunity to tap into their years of experience in order to aid my personal development."
If you are interested in hearing more about our Graduate Intake Program then please visit our website for further details.
We are delighted to announce that Instron are sponsoring two tables at the WES Student Conference which is taking place at Aston University this weekend.
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2014 Range Rover Evoque WISE Scholarship Winners Announced
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2014 Range Rover Evoque WISE Scholarship Winners Announced as Jaguar Land Rover continues its support for future of women in engineering
At the Graduate Science & Engineering Show, Derby, UK, 29 October 2014 - The winners of the second year of the Range Rover Evoque WISE Scholarship - a funding programme that is encouraging young women to change the face of British engineering - have been announced as Ruby Holmes, 19, from Derbyshire and Chloe Adams-Pickford, 18, from Sheffield.
Selected by a panel of judges from over 100 entries, both Chloe and Ruby demonstrated an extraordinarily high level of passion and eagerness to take their first steps into the exciting world of engineering. Through a process of interviews and presentations, both young women exhibited the determination required to succeed in such a competitive field.
The scholarship will help Ruby through her Advanced Technical apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce, with Chloe using it towards her Engineering Science degree at Oxford University. As well as receiving £1,000 each per year during their studies, Ruby and Chloe will be given practical support with mentoring from senior Jaguar Land Rover engineers and WISE representatives. Chloe will also receive invaluable work experience at Jaguar Land Rover, where she will be able to engage first hand in various aspects of automotive engineering. Chloe commented: "While I've never personally felt my gender could be a barrier to my success this has conflicted with other peoples' preconceived ideas at times. It is only with a collaborative effort from organisations such as WISE, businesses and individuals that these ideas will change. I hope to dedicate time throughout my engineering career to an ambassadorial role, in order to help change them."
To read more click here
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Women in Built Environment, Leadership Conference
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This one-day Conference is designed to help develop understanding of what it takes to be a leader in today's construction sector and offer insight into the skills development needed to support this. Providing practical advice and challenging some perceptions, the Conference is designed for all those involved with training, talent retention, management, recruitment or their own career development in this vital industry.
WHEN - November 26, 2014 at 9am - 4:30pm
WHERE - RIBA Headquarters, 66 Portland Pl, London, W1B 1AD
For more information and to buy tickets click here
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Search for the 2015 Engineering Hall of Fame investee begins
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Semta has launched the annual search to find a contemporary British engineer worthy of joining The Engineering Hall of Fame. We need you to tell us which of today's British engineers deserve to join inspirational figures from history, including Sir Frank Whittle, Verena Holmes and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Sarah Sillars OBE, Semta CEO, says:
"With your help we can shine a spotlight on the most talented engineers working in Britain today. We want to hear about people whose innovation has blown your mind or whose work is having a positive impact on our society. They could be male or female, just starting out in their career or with years of experience, in any sector, from anywhere across Great Britain. So if you know of someone who deserves this accolade, please tell us today."
Nominations for the 2015 Engineering Hall of Fame close on 5 December 2014. A shortlist of five will be announced and put to a public vote in January 2015. The winner will be invested into the Hall of Fame at the Semta Skills Awards 2015 gala dinner.
For more details on nominations and to book your table at the gala dinner click here
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Skills4Stem Open training Courses
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Skills4Stem are launching a series of 'Open' training courses for people working within the Built Environment delivering programmes on interpersonal, people and leadership skills.
The first of this 'Open' course series is an exclusive Built Environment Leadership & Management qualification (ILM Level 5) which is a six module programme, each module is 3hrs once a month for six months. This course is for those already responsible for managing others. It will help them understand their leadership style better and give you them the skills to start to be reflective when under pressure. It will share tools and good practise about how to manage oneself and others and it will also start to help them think about how to motivate, encourage and inspire the people they lead.
For more details and to book click here
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Flying High in the Aerospace Industry
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Join the Royal Aeronautical Society's Women in Aviation and Aerospace Committee (WAAC) for their annual conference, which this year will explore the topics of continued professional development and mentoring.
What steps can you take to control your personal and professional development and where could this take you? How can mentoring help you in your career? Why should you become a mentor?
Delegates will hear from inspirational leaders from a wide range of organisations in the aerospace industry including the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, University of the West of England and Boeing. They will provide valuable insights into the latest technology and current thinking in the industry. They will also share their personal experiences of professional development and the journeys that led them to their current positions.
This event will be followed by a networking drinks reception to celebrate the launch of the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Committee's Mentoring Scheme. This will provide an opportunity to meet and engage with your peers and the speakers attending the conference.
This event is open to all and will take place on Friday 21 November in London. The full programme and details of how to register can be found on our website here.
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WES Jobs Page
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The WES website has a page dedicated to job vacancies.
Each month we will list the latest vacancies available. For further details and how to apply please visit the website. If you have a vacancy you wish to advertise please contact the WES Office.
Director, Master of Engineering Management Program, Dartmouth College
Employer: Thayer School of Engineering
Location: Dartmouth
Salary: Competitive salary
Term: Permanent
The Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College invites applications for Director of the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) Program, at the rank of Full Professor of Engineering. The MEM program is a professional degree program with courses taught by faculty from Thayer and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. The program's mission is to educate future leaders who understand both the engineering and business aspects of technology. The Thayer School is in the planning stages for a significant expansion of faculty and programs. As part of the academic leadership, the new MEM Director will play a significant role in realizing this exciting growth phase.
Mechanical Technician - Mobile Equipment and Cranes
Employer: DP World
The role is to carry out the mechanical maintenance, repairs and projects related to all mobile equipment, therefore contributing to the smooth flow of port operations. Support the team to manage the delivery, inspection and commissioning of equipment.
Electrical Repairs Technician
Employer: DP World
The role of the Electrical Repairs Technician is to assist the maintenance in carrying out troubleshooting and repair of electronic/electrical components and computers installed on cranes and mobile equipment. Carry out preventative, corrective and emergency maintenance on cranes and mobile equipment.
Electrical Technician - Mobile Equipment and Cranes
Employer: DP World
The purpose of the Electrical Technician is to carry out the electrical maintenance, repairs and projects related to all mobile equipment, therefore contributing to the smooth flow of port operations. Support the team to manage the delivery, inspection and commissioning of equipment. Correct utilisation and data collection in EAMS during the execution of preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance tasks in order to maintain accurate information during the life time of the assets. Provide support for the development of the necessary method statements and risk assessments related to the activities of the workshop & mobile equipment section. Maintain high equipment availability, reliability and safety in line with goals and objectives of LG Assett Management strategy.
Clerk of Works (Distribution Facilities)
Employer: DP World
The role of Clerk of Works is as an independent inspector and guardian of maintaining the quality and standard of works. To report non-compliant and defective works during the construction and supporting the London Gateway Team to manage the delivery, inspection and commissioning of the building.
Civil Engineer
Employer: DP World
The role of Civil Engineer is to assist in the management/engineering of a major and complex infrastructure project at London Gateway.
The key objective is to provide general assistance and support to a wide range of engineering managers with differing expertise and skill sets, by managing many small to medium sized projects
For more details and how to apply visit the Jobs page on the WES website
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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.
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WES would like to thank its supporters and sponsors, particularly our Event Partners: The IET, BAE Systems and Selex ES.
Our Company Members are: DP World London Gateway, Malvern Instruments, National Grid, Arup, Bam Nuttall, Edwards Vacuum, Hyder Consulting, Bureau Veritas, Matchtech, Instron, Transport for London, Sellafield and Mars.
Student conference sponsors include BAE Systems (Event Partner), Selex ES (Event Partner), Instron, Malvern Instruments and BP.
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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. |
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The School of Biological & Chemical Sciences at QMUL, Athena SWAN Seminar
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Beyond the glass ceiling: The glass cliff and the precariousness of women's leadership positions
Thursday 20 November 2014, 1.00pm, Fogg Lecture Theatre, Fogg Building, Mile End Campus, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS
While women are breaking through the glass ceiling in increasing numbers, there may be additional subtle barriers for them to face. Michelle will present a program of research examining the types of leadership positions that women tend to occupy and the precariousness of these roles.
Michelle Ryan is a Professor of Social and Organisational Psychology at the University of Exeter, UK and a (part-time) Professor of Diversity at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. At the University of Exeter she is the Dean of Postgraduate Research and Director of the University of Exeter Graduate College. She currently holds a British Academy mid-career fellowship examining the role of identity in determining perception of work-life balance. She is involved in a number of other research projects. With Alex Haslam, she has uncovered the phenomenon of the glass cliff, whereby women (and members of other minority groups) are more likely to be placed in leadership positions that are risky or precarious. Research into the glass cliff has been funded by the ESRC and the European Social Fund. In 2005 it was short-listed for the Times Higher Education Supplement Research Project of the Year and was named by the New York Times as one of the top 100 ideas that shaped 2008.
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The Royal Society's Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship scheme
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The Royal Society's Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship scheme is now open for applications (closing date 12 January 2015).
This scheme provides funding for outstanding, early-career scientists in the UK who require a flexible working pattern due to personal circumstances such as parenting or caring responsibilities or health issues.
For more information and how to apply click here
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Government Equalities Office's public survey on gender equality is launched
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This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard and help shape future government action on gender equality.
As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action - we want to hear from you on what progress you think is being made to improve the lives of women and girls in the UK
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We want to know how women's and girls' lives have changed in the UK over the last 5 years, and your thoughts on the priorities the government should focus on.
To take part in the survey click here
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Engineers and Scientists required for Photography Project
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The WES Office has the following request from photographer Nicola Tree for any Engineers and Scientists for a photography commission she is working on for the Getty collection.
'I'm a professional photographer working on a commission from Getty images about women. I'm photographing Women in Science and engineering areas which are seriously lacking in the Getty collection. Many of the science and technology images are staged and models used instead. My plan is to take some images of real engineers and scientists at work for the collection.
In return I would happily do a portraits either in my studio or at a location of the subjects choice or a shoot of their choice.
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The images from the shoot would not have names attached, they would go into the collection as generic science and engineering images but would be much more authentic than the present collection. Getty have a new section called Lean in which is set to inspire women around the world to step up and lead
If you are interested in taking part contact Nicola here.
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Upcoming Events
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Student to Stemette: Social Media: Who to follow
The Student to Stemette program offers free online webinars for all female students.
Each features 3 women from across Academia, Industry and Recruitment in STEM sharing their expertise, advice and perspectives on diverse career topics - and is free to attend, from one's laptop or phone.
Register here
Public Speaking Master Class, London
Thursday 27th November 2014
The day will begin with an inspiring talk about the highs and lows of being in the media spotlight but why it is so important for more women to raise their heads above the parapet and become role models for the next generation. We TV producers work with the delegates to help them put their own stories, first into the written word, then into unscripted, passionate presentations on camera. They have an hour's prep with an international boardroom voice coach, then we work on camera 3 times with playback and personalised feedback in small, supportive groups.
Contact the WES Office for more information.
Student to Stemette: Debate: Academia vs. Industry
Wednesday 10th December 2014
The Student to Stemette program offers free online webinars for all female students.
Each features 3 women from across Academia, Industry and Recruitment in STEM sharing their expertise, advice and perspectives on diverse career topics - and is free to attend, from one's laptop or phone.
Register here
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