What's it like to be a woman in the engineering industry? – gallery

Victoria Brown, maintenance assistant team leader, EDF Energy, Dungeness B nuclear power station: "I joined EDF Energy as an apprentice. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for me to build my confidence at work, as well as develop skills that are in high demand. I don’t think people realise there are so many different types of engineering roles. There’s also a great need for engineers right now in the UK which means that it’s not only a stable career choice but also can be very rewarding. My main piece of advice is not to be put off by the fact there are more males in the industry."
Photograph: EDF Energy

Natasha Frost, apprentice wind turbine technician, RWE Innogy, Rhos-on-Sea: “I've always been fascinated by technology and how turbines work. Now, I can see first-hand and be part of how the new wind farm, Gwynt y Môr, is taking shape during construction. It's great I’m a part of that. This apprenticeship has given me the skills and knowledge needed to become a good engineer. It has also given me the opportunity to experience new things and helps me prove myself in a very male dominated environment. It proves that women do have a place in engineering."
Photograph: RWE Innogy UK

Lara Elizabeth Small, team leader, manufacturing engineering at Rolls-Royce. She is also a troop commander for 350 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers: "Although for me being a reservist offers a chance to enhance my engineering skills, for many others, the army is an opportunity to try something completely different and develop skills that go beyond and are totally separate from their day jobs. My favourite thing about my job at Rolls-Royce is the fact I’m working on the very best technology that the industry has to offer. My advice is do not hide your femininity at work and relish in your different perspective – act on what you believe is important."
Photograph: Crown Copyright

Hani Baluch, petroleum engineer, BP, Aberdeen, North Sea: "The best thing about my job is having the freedom to succeed in my role and making valuable changes. I joined BP as a petroleum engineer on graduation and have had three different roles which have taken me offshore to the West of Shetland and to the largest gas field in the USA, located in the Texas Panhandle. I work on optimisation of wells and plant, with a focus on production enhancing opportunities. I think there are a lot of misconceptions about the oil and gas industry. I spent a year rotating offshore on the Foinaven FPSO, West of Shetland, and was usually one of four or five women on board, out of about 75 people. I never felt worried or daunted by it and can say it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience." Photograph: BP

Gemma Hatton, undergraduate studying BEng mechanical engineering, University of Bath. She is also a data engineer and competition coordinator for Team Bath Racing Formula Student Team: "Since I was 16 I have been working towards a motorsport career. After my degree, I will be studying the advanced motorsport engineering masters at Cranfield University. In this photo, I was tasked by the global technical director of Nissan Motorsport with coordinating an engineering focused tour around the Nissan European Technical Centre for Formula One racing driver Sebastian Vettel." Photograph: Gemma Hatton

Lynsey McKee, trainee computer-aided design (CAD) technologist, Doosan Babcock. She also studies part-time at Glasgow Caledonian University, BEng (Hons) mechanical electronic systems engineering: "My job is to design, model and draw the intricate component parts used in large industrial components for power stations across the world. I love the creativity involved in my job. I'm comfortable with being a woman in engineering and I work with several other women, it's clear that the gender balance is changing for the better. There are many women here in very senior roles which just goes to show that gender does not affect ambition." Photograph: Doosan Babcock

Dr Laurie Shedden, research fellow, department of biomedical engineering, University of Strathclyde: "I love my job as it allows me to work out how to use technology to solve clinical problems, improving patients’ health and lives. It involves working in a research group to develop cutting-edge medical devices for treating cardiovascular diseases. My daily routine involves prototyping, testing and developing devices in a lab. I want young women today to know about the variety of interesting opportunities available to them if they choose a career in engineering. Engineering isn’t just about cars and bridges and power stations." Photograph: University of Strathclyde

Claire Watkins, geographic information systems (GIS) specialist, Wardell Armstrong: "I like the fact that every day is different. One day I may be working on a solar farm feasibility study and the next mapping sensitive receptors for a route alignment. I love meeting other professionals from around the firm who have a passion as strong as I do for their work, it really makes the workplace have a good vibe. My role requires me to think analytically, constantly solve problems and look for answers. It’s always a challenge which I enjoy." Photograph: Wardell Armstrong LLP

Catriona Sutton, offshore chemist, Intertek: "As the offshore chemist, or ‘chemical custodian’, we help to look after the health and safety of people on board the platform by making sure water is safe to drink, for example. We also ensure the oil and gas is produced efficiently and safely by maintaining the correct level of chemicals used in well injection and process systems. There are few women offshore, but I don't know why more women don't do it. You're not treated differently and gender isn't an issue." Photograph: Intertek

Bev Keogh, head of operations, Southern Electric Power Distribution: "We're responsible for keeping the lights on for 2.9 million customers across central southern England, and it's my job to make sure that our network is operating safely at all times. As head of operations, I'm ultimately responsible for the safety and welfare of all our engineering teams and support staff, and I think it's fantastic to see more and more women joining our ranks in what used to be a traditionally male industry." Photograph: Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution