Female engineer is shortlisted for award
Amber could be named engineer of year
A YOUNG female engineer from Hinckley has been shortlisted for the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Young Woman Engineer (YWE) of the Year Awards 2019.
Amber O’Connor, 25, is an equipment health monitoring and performance engineer, and an engineering programme manager specialising in industrial gas turbines at Siemens AGT.
She is an active STEM Ambassador, encouraging the next generation towards a career in the field by highlighting the amazing opportunities that are out people.
Amber said: “I’m incredibly passionate about encouraging the next generation and breaking the stereotype of engineering; it’s not just a “dirty job” that’s suitable for only men.
“The YWE award is a great platform to be able to reach more young people and get them involved in STEM activities, as well as giving them an awareness of what true engineering roles are and the diversity of the industry.
“It’s unfortunate that there are very few women in engineering, but my aim is to make an impact and get more young women to see that engineering there for young is a great career option that could be well suited to them.”
The awards seek to find role models who can help address the UK science and engineering skills crisis by promoting engineering careers to more girls and women.
Just 12 per cent of those working in engineering occupations are women.
Sophie Harker, 2018 Young Woman Engineer of the Year, said winning the prize has opened up many opportunities to her.
She said: “I have had so many wonderful opportunities, from judging competitions and delivering speeches and lectures, to being encased in a giant bubble and launching clarinets into space.
“This award and the IET have provided me with a huge platform to share my story with young girls and women across the country (and even the world), passing on the inspiration that was sparked in me as a teenager – and that’s what these awards are all about.
“I can honestly say it has been one of the most positive and rewarding experiences of my career and I cannot wait to see where it leads me next.”
The winners will be announced at the ceremony on December 5 at Savoy Place in London.
Visit the IET website for more information.