International Women in Engineering Day – 23rd June 2021

Thank you to Charlotte Waller, who recently completed her Safety, Health & Environment Apprenticeship with RHG achieving a well deserved Distinction, for providing the content for today’s blog.

I work for an automotive engineering company called Schaeffler International. I am  based in Sheffield, but our headquarters are in Germany. My role within the company is Environmental, health and safety, but recently I have further progressed to the energy department as well.

At first, being a young woman in a mainly male dominated site was quite intimidating – especially when I had to go onto the shop floor and interact with people. Over time, I have become more confident and would now rather spend my time out on the shop floor, than sat at my desk.

During my three years at Schaeffler, I have completed a study year and my level 3 Apprenticeship. I have found that the knowledge I have gained from carrying out an apprenticeship has allowed me build confidence and address situations that I would not have been able to before, it has also increased my skills to carry out my role effectively. Over time, I have found that I am able to adapt my professional approach to the particular audience I am delivering to. Such as using humour to get a safety point across to the staff on the shop floor, while adopting a more formal style when presenting to managers. Yet, without the knowledge I have gained from my apprenticeship, I would be unable to do this because I wouldn’t be as confident. As a result, it has helped me develop relationships with a completely different group of people who I work with – from other apprentices to managers.

What is particularly striking to me is how a young woman in this industry can earn respect from other colleagues while carrying out a health and safety role.  I think a fresh face with new ideas can capture people’s attention.  Being knowledgeable and having a passion for health, safety and the environment, sharing that with others can bring about positive change and lead to outstanding results

I have been really lucky that my manager has supported me through this apprenticeship, allowing me time to complete my coursework and pursue anything I found particularly interesting, even if it wasn’t part of my usual role. My manager feels very strongly about employee development and she always strives for her team to be the best it possibly can. Her support has enabled me to complete my apprenticeship with a strong Distinction and has encouraged me to go onto my Level 6 with the confidence and passion for success.

My advice to any young woman in engineering would be to just go for it. Your knowledge and confidence will develop over time so you can blossom into a well-respected professional – no matter where your line of work may be.