Joanna Robinson, managing director at Mansfield Pollard, has delivered an inspirational speech to the students of Skipton Girls’ High School as part of the International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebrations.
The all-girls engineering academy invited female engineers from different aspects and positions to deliver a special series of presentations with the aim of broadening and developing the students' awareness of the engineering industry.
Ms Robinson concluded the week by sharing her exciting career journey with 100 students from Year 7 to Year 12. She spoke about her role as a woman in a male-dominated environment, the challenges that she has faced, and the successes that she has enjoyed throughout her thriving career.
The business woman then gave advice on how to enter the industry, discussed the range of diverse and exciting projects that the students could work on, and explained how she promotes the industry to the next generation through her roles in STEER, BESA, and the LEP.
Ultimately, Ms Robinson’s aim was to encourage the girls to consider a career in engineering, and to show that through hard work and determination you can achieve anything. She concluded her speech by telling the students to work hard, take risks, and to believe in themselves.
Paul Braden, curriculum leader at Skipton Girls’ High School, said: “Skipton Girls' High School was the first 'all-girls school' in the country to be awarded specialist engineering status. It is imperative that we encourage as many girls as possible to enter the differing professions within engineering, so that we may begin to fill the void of the current skills shortage.
“To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we delivered a special series of presentations to the students throughout the week. Female engineers from different aspects and positions gave presentations to broaden and develop the students' awareness of this exciting industry, removing perceptions of typical stereotypes, and raising awareness of the range of skills that females can bring to a 'male dominated' workforce.
“We are thankful for the continued support of Mansfield Pollard, who are becoming one of the schools established industrial partners. Joanna Robinson, the managing director, made the time to come and deliver the presentation personally, and there was a clear message to the students about always striving forward and never giving up on their dreams.”
Speaking about the event, Ms Robinson said: 'Everything is engineered. In fact, engineering is the way our society progresses and excels. International Women in Engineering Day is a vital platform to promote the industry to our future generation. I champion the work that the Women’s Engineering Society do to encourage women to participate and achieve as engineers, scientists and as leaders.
'Supporting schemes such as the International Women in Engineering Day allows us to promote the opportunities that are available in this diverse and exciting industry, and shows that through hard work and determination you can progress through the ranks and make a difference in business.
'Being one of the few women in the industry, I am proud to be a spokesperson and share my experiences of working in this innovative sector with the pupils of Skipton Girls' High School.
'The work which Paul Braden and his team are doing at the school is truly inspirational and we’re delighted to have another opportunity to support them.”