Women in Engineering at Herga

Women in Engineering is currently a popular subject online.

The photo shows Karen Docking - our Production Engineer and Andy Bull, one of our tool makers. Karen and Andy are discussing Overmoulding - a new project for Herga

Variohm Eurosensor – who are part of the same group as Herga (Variohm Holdings) recently shared their experience with women in engineering and how they have noticed that they have more than the average percentage of female employees in engineering roles.

This is not the case at Herga. Karen Docking is our Production Engineer and the only woman working in an engineering role here at Herga. She shares her experience with us.

“Like many 16 year olds, I left school with no real idea on what I wanted to do or any exceptional exam results.  When I was taken on at Herga, they insisted that I do a single day release course over a period of 2 years.

I reluctantly agreed, as I had not enjoyed school & had promised myself I would never go back into education.  My part time learning journey ended up as a distance learning journey 11 years later, resulting in my obtaining my MSc in Polymer Design & Manufacture.

I have been employed at Herga Technology Ltd for over 25 years; I started on the production line and worked my way up to the position of Design Engineer.  I am responsible for designing injection mould tools and overseeing the tool room where a small quantity of tools are made and service production tools from our mould shop, as well as the design and implementation of new products.  Following a recent restructure, my job role was changed to Production Engineer, where my key responsibilities are:

·         Managing the tool room

·         Implementing the introduction of lean manufacturing throughout the factory

·         Solving any issues that arise within the production areas. 

Any changes that I want to implement must not compromise the safety of the site.

I have also been tasked with carrying out Lean Manufacturing for the whole of the Herga Technology site to highlight what the main types of waste are and how we can all instigate small changes that can make a huge difference over the course of the year.

In all the time I have been in Engineering, the only place I have met other female Engineers is on training courses, I have never actually met one while I have been carrying out my day to day duties, which I feel is a great shame.

Due to my own learning background of on the job training & education, I strongly believe in apprenticeship schemes & feel that when the UK moved away from them, it was one of the worst things we could have done and has resulted in a huge void of Engineers with no practical experience.  We have employed Engineers here at Herga in the past who studied at University & were highly qualified, however, I would much rather take someone on who has practical ability with no qualifications any day.”

More About Women in Engineering

As the number of women in Engineering is still a small percentage when compared to men, there are a few organisations around today to help support women in Engineering.

According to the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the percentage of women working in engineering roles when compared to men is just 9%. They hold annual awards ceremonies where they reward the Young Woman Engineer of the Year.

The WES (Women’s Engineering Society) was founded in 1919 when a group of influential women decided to work in Science and engineering to advance the opportunities for women. These were jobs which they had been working in during world war one when the men had left for war, the women were reluctant to give these jobs back them back, instead they wanted to promote engineering as a rewarding career for women. Nowadays they connect students with role models, celebrate leaders across sectors and disciplines and champion progress – improving the experience for women in this industry.

International Women in Engineering Day – 23^rdJune 2017. This day is organised by the Women’s Engineering Society and annually celebrates the achievements of women in engineering, with the hope to encourage more girls to consider engineering careers. This year will be it’s fourth year running. A list of the top 50 women in engineering under the age of 35 will be published in the daily telegraph on 23^rd June 2017.

Are you a woman working in Engineering? We’d love to hear from you – what is your experience working in the male-dominated industry?