In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), Enginuity, the charity dedicated to closing the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing, proudly shares and celebrates the contributions of women engineers across the UK. By spotlighting inspiring stories and achievements of female engineers, Enginuity aims to encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering, thereby bridging the gender gap in this traditionally male-dominated field. This celebration is part of a broader campaign to highlight the significance of women in engineering, encouraging a future where engineering is a career path open to all, regardless of gender. The story of Anisha Roberts is the perfect example.
Anisha’s journey into a career in engineering is a testament to the power of inspiration and determination. Her story is particularly significant as she is a recognised figure in the Enginuity Skills Awards, having achieved double recognition for her outstanding contributions and performance in 2023: Anisha was awarded the SME Apprentice of the Year award, for being an inspiration to anyone looking to change their career and pursue a role in engineering, and the Best of British award, for her passion and advocacy on the role that an apprenticeship can play in changing one’s life.
Anisha's inspiration came from a former colleague who, at the age of 60, decided to retrain in a field she had always been passionate about. This moment was as a catalyst for Anisha, prompting her to leave her teaching career and to explore apprenticeship opportunities in engineering. Reflecting on her decision, she recalls, “If she [her colleague] can be that brave, then so can I.” This mindset propelled her to embark on a new career path, one that would lead to personal growth and professional fulfilment. It shows that the impact of one woman pursuing their ambitions has an inspirational trickledown effect.
Anisha expresses a profound love for her career in engineering, describing her work as both challenging and rewarding. Working as an engineering apprentice at Williams Jet Tenders, she finds joy in the constant learning and problem-solving that her job entails. Commenting on her engineering apprenticeship, she says “I find change quite daunting, but jumping into an apprenticeship in a role that I’ve never done before was such a big change that I’ve realised I’m capable of more than I thought. The confidence I have gained has helped me to embrace new challenges and push myself out of my comfort zone to overcome them.”
Anisha’s journey exemplifies how embracing challenges can lead to personal and professional growth. She encourages aspiring engineers to take the plunge and actively pursue opportunities in the sector. Her advice is practical and empowering: reach out to companies, express interest, seek work experience, and most importantly, be persistent. Her own journey underscores the value of determination and proactive engagement in achieving career goals.
Enginuity's celebration of International Women in Engineering Day is a call to action for all women who aspire to make a difference in the engineering sector. By sharing stories like Anisha’s, Enginuity hopes to inspire more women to consider engineering as a viable and rewarding career option. If you’re inspired by Anisha’s journey and are interested in exploring opportunities in engineering, we invite you to join the movement.
If you are interested in sharing your story to inspire the next generation visit our website to learn more about how you can participate, share your story, and connect with others who are passionate about engineering. Together, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic future for engineering.
Celebrate, inspire, and be a part of the change. Happy International Women in Engineering Day!
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