Sandie Banner 1

Encouraging more women to take up a career in engineering at ABB Measurement & Analytics

Computing and Artificial Intelligence, space science and planetary geology, cryptoanalysis, medicine, genetics, materials science and robotics – these are just some of the areas where female engineers have made massive contributions that have transformed understanding and opened new fields for developments in technology that have improved our standard of life. 

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), which takes place today, is an annual celebration of the work of these women and those like them working in every field of science, technology and engineering.   

Originally launched in the UK by the Women’s Engineering Society, INWED has grown significantly over the years to have a global reach and receive UNESCO patronage.

Globally, women remain under-represented in engineering. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in the US report that just 13% of the workforce employed in engineering are women, while in the UK just 12% are women.

Diversity expands the pool of talents; for ABB it brings fresh perspective and is a driver for creativity and innovation to deliver a better and more sustainable world. Last year ABB launched its “Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2030”, with the aim of reaching a 25 percent share of women in senior management positions from 12.5 percent currently. Beyond that, ABB’s broader ambition is to foster inclusion and equality across all areas of diversity, including gender, abilities, generations, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+. 

The Women in Engineering that we spotlight below contribute greatly to the success of ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division in the UK. Meet Amy, forging a path at the very beginning of their career journey, and meet Sandie, the seasoned professional now planning her own succession and subsequent retirement. The response made clear that ABB is a welcoming company that strives to provide an environment for individuals to thrive.


Why engineering?

Amy round



Amy:  I had a brilliant Chemistry teacher at school and applied to study chemistry at university and switched to do a Chemical Engineering degree. I now work as a Proposals Engineer for process gas analysers.
Sandie round

Sandie:  It wasn’t part of the plan. Having finished grammar school in South Wales, my father told me I needed a job. He drove me to the nearest industrial park. Our FIRST factory was GEC General Electric Company. He just said, “my daughter needs a job” and that was the start of my career! The first 2 weeks was spent at soldering school! I always loved maths and science subjects and was placed as a Calibration Technician setting up pre-amplifiers for GEC radio and stereo systems. I am now Principal Service Engineer for ABB’s continuous water analysers in Scotland mostly for Scottish Water.

Why ABB?

Sandie round


Sandie:  I really love my job. ABB is an inclusive employer. I have been working with ABB since the 1980’s and have never had a negative word said against me because of my gender or my sexuality. It is the right job in the right location to fulfil my interests and my skillset.

Amy round

Amy:  I researched ABB’s values before joining the company and they align with my own. On joining the company, I have found it to be a nurturing environment for all employees across the board. It is collaborative and friendly and has been a safe space to learn my craft. There is very much a “One team together” approach.

Any advice for young people considering a career in engineering?

Amy round



Amy:  I didn’t know much about engineering until I started at university. I would recommend it as a degree course and career choice.

Sandie round


Sandie: Believe in yourself and your abilities. Embrace every opportunity for education that you can with both hands. The opportunities for you are out there.

 

Why is it important that we take part in initiatives such as Women in Engineering Day?

Sandie round


Sandie: I am still continuously surprised by the lack of female toilet facilities at the sites I visit. Even for 21st century new builds. There are still many areas of my work that are male dominated, but initiatives such as this will make positive changes in the industry.

Amy round


Amy: By making engineering and roles in engineering more visible more people may choose to pursue it as career. Awareness of the opportunities available needs to start earlier in schools and universities but doing this through ABB is a good reminder.

Share this page

  • Contact us

    Submit your inquiry and we will contact you

    Contact us

 

Select region / language