Offsite job roles are changing, with more women building rewarding careers across the engineering sector. The Hadley Group shares the experiences, opportunities and ambitions of its female engineering talent.
Traditionally dominated by men, the engineering sector at Hadley Group is undergoing a transformative shift as more women join and excel within the company. They are making significant contributions across various departments, from research and development to production and quality assurance.
Societal perceptions often discourage young girls from pursuing STEM subjects in school, leading to a smaller pool of female candidates considering engineering careers. We are fortunate that Hadley Group Technology have attracted young talent like Desire Hawkesworth-Thomas, an Engineering Apprentice just finishing her first year. Desire explains: “I enjoy being an engineering apprentice because it allows me to work and learn in a way that works best for me. It contains a lot of hands on and practical work as well as many chances and opportunities to learn new skills and gain better understanding on things like building machines, electrical work, problem solving or even how to refurbish certain components.”
Additionally, the lack of visible female role models in engineering further exacerbates this issue, as young women struggle to see themselves represented in these roles. Another significant challenge is the workplace culture within engineering firms, which can sometimes be unwelcoming or unsupportive of women. Many women in engineering report experiencing isolation, lack of mentorship, and sometimes overt discrimination. This has not been a problem for Anna Szecsko, “It is never boring, never the same. Receiving and evaluating deliveries, meeting lovely people from different departments and suppliers or just making magic in the office on Purchasing. New challenges and surprises every day. I am truly grateful to be able to do what I love in an inspiring and kind environment.”
Traditionally, companies have lacked the necessary policies to support work-life balance, which can be a critical factor for women, especially those with family responsibilities. These cultural and structural barriers can lead to higher attrition rates among women in engineering roles, as they may leave the profession due to a lack of support and advancement opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from educational institutions, employers, and professional organizations to create more inclusive environments and actively promote diversity in engineering.
To support women, particularly those with childcare responsibilities, Hadley Group offers several employee benefits. These include flexible working options and glide hours, allowing employees to start earlier or later in the day to accommodate school runs, school events, or medical appointments. The company also supports job share opportunities and part-time working, enabling women to balance their careers with family responsibilities effectively.
Hadley Group also places a strong emphasis on continuous professional development. Joanne Crum, a Machine Coordinator at Hadley Group, highlights the importance of diversity in the engineering community: “I enjoy engineering because it allows me to solve real-world problems, be creative, and continuously learn. The combination of technical challenges and the opportunity to make a positive impact motivates me every day.”
The presence of women in engineering roles at Hadley Group not only brings diverse perspectives and innovative solutions but also helps to build a more balanced and dynamic workforce. Their contributions are pivotal in driving the company’s success and ensuring that Hadley Group remains at the forefront of the engineering and manufacturing industry.
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