WES Apprentice Board

In the first episode of our new series ‘Apprenticeships and the future’, Jessica Chatburn interviews Helen Driffill about her engineering story.

Helen Driffill is a wing specialist working in the Electrical and Technical Design Definitions Directives team at Airbus Operations Ltd based in Filton, Bristol. Helen talks about her career starting as an apprentice and working her way up. She also mentions some key moments of her career and what interested her in engineering in the first place.

In this conversation Jessica and Helen discuss:

In the ninth and final episode of the 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Melissa Chigubu interviews Roni Savage, CEO & Founder of Jomas Associates, an engineering and environmental company serving the construction industry.

Roni was awarded UK’s Most Influential Woman in Construction 2022, Roni is UK’s first black woman owner of a multi-million Engineering Company serving the construction industry. Roni, is a Honorary Fellow of Royal Institute of British Architects, Chartered Engineer, Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers, Chartered Geologist and SiLC (Specialist in Land Condition). A graduate of University of Portsmouth with a BEng(hons) in Engineering Geology and Geotechnics, she also holds a Masters’ (with distinction) in Environmental Management from University of Exeter.  She has worked on many major construction schemes, including the widening of the A406 and M25, as well as various buildings and structures across the UK. She has been involved in designing sustainable remediation solutions to enable the reclamation of several brownfield sites, which would have laid derelict otherwise. Multi-award winner, and mum of three boys, Roni is CEO & Founder of Jomas Associates, an engineering and environmental company serving the construction industry. A passionate diversity champion, she is an international speaker on matters relating to diversity in business, engineering and construction. Roni is policy chair for construction for the federation of small businesses, and vice chair of YMCA SPG, a charity committed to empowering young people.

Thank you for listening we hope you have a fab new year and 2023.

In the eighth episode of the 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Melissa Chigubu interviews the WES University Group Board Chair Toni McLaughlin about her engineering journey as part of the third and final episode of our Christmas Special.

Toni is an Aeronautical Engineering Student studying towards her MEng at the University of Glasgow

Toni discusses her route into engineering stemming from doing small electrical projects with her Grandad and her teacher aiding her passion for Physics and Mathematical problems. Toni advocates for engineering specifically being involved in Outreach and STEM at university. This episode provides critical information to aid gaining confidence in presenting and entering the engineering industry.

In the seventh episode of the 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Melissa Chigubu interviews the WES Early Careers Board Chair Caitlin McCall about her engineering journey as part of the second episode of our Christmas Special.

Caitlin is an Advanced Research Engineer working as at The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

Caitlin gives insight into her route into engineering stemming from school into her doctorate in engineering. The discussion leads into tips and tricks for time management and leadership.

In the sixth episode of the 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Melissa Chigubu interviews the WES Apprentice Board Chair Natasha Dunkinson about her engineering journey as part of the first episode of our Christmas Special.

Natasha is in her final year of her engineering degree apprenticeship working at BAE Systems. In the podcast she provides insight into her route from sixth form into her apprenticeship. Natasha discusses her passion to develop into the Chair role on the board and how she manages her time with this increasing responsibility.

The podcast provides some tips and tricks on time management, developing leadership styles and advise to fellow apprentices when experiencing imposter syndrome in meetings.

In the fifth episode of the 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Tilly Watts interviews Pasha Khan about her engineering journey.

Pasha is a Chemical Engineer working as a Strategy and Transformation Lead at Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC).

Pasha talks about her background and movement into engineering from an initial course in pharmaceuticals. Pasha discusses creativity and sustainability as an increasing skill and way of thinking required in the industry to reduce our footprint.

Pasha provides a book recommendation and her desired engineer to have dinner alongside.  

In the fourth episode of the 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Jade Kimpton interviews Ifrah Mussa about her engineering journey.

Ifrah is a lecturer in aerodynamics in the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering at Kingston University; Ifrah is also currently studying a PhD at Kingston University. 

Ifrah talks about the importance of giving young girls confidence at a young age to encourage more women to get into engineering, Ifrah also discusses the significance that school environment has on children's career paths.

In the third episode of our 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Melissa Chigubu interviews Nicole Lee and Zoe Hodgins from Frazer-Nash about their engineering story.

Zoe Hodgins is a consultant in an AI and Analytics department at Frazer-Nash, she completes data analytics to aid customers and clients in solving their issues. Nicole Lee is a consultant in the Physical Systems Modelling Group at Frazer-Nash, she works in the data science sector, predominately focusing on nuclear.

They discuss their route into engineering and their current roles, specifically highlighting the benefits of their roles and overall challenges. They highlight the challenges of working in a male dominant industry and the scope of progression in the industry. Interestingly, the perception of females in meetings and their job roles are discussed. Providing advice on dealing with these challenging situations.

Topics:

- Zoe's and Nicole's career and day-to-day role

- Journey into engineering

- Challenges faced in the industry

- Handling challenging comments in the workplace

- Highlights of their jobs

- What could organisations do better to attract women and diversity in the workplace?

- Imposter syndrome

- Support systems

- Advice to females looking into the engineering profession

- Would you do it all again?

- Famous engineer to have dinner with?

- The last guests question.

In the second episode of our 'Engineers in Conversation' series, Melissa Chigubu interviews Lara Tabet about her engineering story. 

Lara Tabet is a civil engineer, who now works in design management and the integration of major infrastructure projects. Lara speaks about the influence that her father had on her engineering career, the importance of diversity in engineering and the challenges which she has overcome in her career.

Topics:

- Lara's career and day-to-day role

- Journey into engineering

- Handling challenging comments in the workplace

- Women Engineering Networks

- What could organisations do better to attract women and diversity in the workplace?

- Imposter syndrome

- Support systems

- Advice to females looking into the engineering profession

- Would you do it all again?

- Famous engineer to have dinner with?

- The last guests question.

In the first episode of our new series, 'Engineers in Conversation', Natasha Dunkinson interviews Elizabeth Donnelly about her engineering story.

Elizabeth Donnelly is the CEO of The Women's Engineering Society (WES) and has had an incredible career across the industry. The podcast explores Elizabeth's story from studying for a Law Degree to becoming the WES CEO.

Elizabeth shines light on some of the key moments in her career and the learning she has gathered along the way.

Topics:

 - Elizabeth's career across the industry

 - The increase of female representation in engineering

 - The most valuable skill developed and how does this serve you now?

 - Systems Thinking

 - Advice to your younger self

 - Would you do it all again?

 - Imposter syndrome

 - Confidence in meetings

 - Meeting Brian Cox!

 - The last guests question