More than hard hats and hi-vis: Inspiring event invites women to discover new careers 

Women and girls across North Lincolnshire are being encouraged to explore exciting career opportunities closer to home when the Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) careers event comes to The Baths Hall this March. 

Taking place on Wednesday 11 March, the event will showcase the huge range of roles available across manufacturing, engineering, digital, construction and renewable energy – sectors that are growing fast across the Humber and are crying out for new talent. 

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Manufacturing and engineering in our area are no longer the industries many people imagine. 

“They are modern, innovative and central to the future. Events like WiME help show local women and girls that these careers are not only achievable, but exciting, well-paid and future-proof – and that they can build those careers right here in North Lincolnshire.” 

Manufacturing already accounts for 17 per cent of employment locally, compared with just 8.7 per cent nationally, and that figure is set to rise further as investment in renewable energy continues. 

Despite this, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers – the WiME event aims to change that. 

Visitors will be able to speak directly to women working in industry, find out what the roles are really like, and learn about routes in – from apprenticeships and traineeships to graduate and mid-career pathways. 

One of those women is former Baysgarth School pupil Carrie Grimbleby, who now works in energy generation and storage at Associated British Ports. 

After training and working as a secondary school teacher, Carrie made the decision to retrain in renewable energy – with support from WiME. 

Carrie said: “I loved teaching, but I wanted to make change on a bigger scale. WiME helped me see how my skills could transfer into industry and gave me the confidence to take that leap.  

“You don’t have to have had a straight-line career to belong in manufacturing or renewables – sometimes the most interesting paths are the ones with a few turns.” 

During the day, students will attend with their schools, while a free public session from 3.30pm to 6pm is open to women considering a career change, returning to work, and parents and carers attending with their daughters. 

More than 20 local and international employers will be attending, including British Steel, Ørsted, GEV Wind Power and Smith & Nephew.  

Tracy Westerby from Select Plant Hire, one of the UK’s largest and most diverse suppliers of equipment and services to the construction industry, said: “These WiME events have such a positive impact by bringing female students, industry professionals and employers together to show what’s possible.  

“There are so many opportunities for women in manufacturing and engineering, and Select Plant Hire are delighted to continue sponsoring this cause which helps make those opportunities visible and attainable.  

“Having supported WiME for a few years, through event sponsorship, school engagement and mentoring initiatives, we’ve seen first‑hand how important this work is in promoting inclusivity, strengthening diversity, and opening doors for future talent across the construction industry.” 

Dr Kirsty Clode, chair of WiME, said the event is designed to be welcoming, honest and inspiring. 

“Our events are designed to showcase the amazing opportunities in our region and dispel any misconceptions about careers in engineering, manufacturing, digital, construction and renewables.  Today many roles call for innovation, problem-solving, adaptability and team working – all of which women are great at. 

“Across North Lincolnshire there are a wide variety of rewarding roles – from supporting renewables and clean energy to designing new digital and construction solutions. We are keen for parents/carers to come along with their daughters to learn about the routes into these industries including apprenticeships. 

“There are a wealth of roles available to women that may not have existed when they left education. So we are eager for women thinking of switching careers or returning to work to attend too.”   

The WiME event is free to attend and no prior experience or qualifications are needed – just curiosity and an open mind.

You can find more information about the event on the Green Port Hull website.