Pertemps Engineering Podcast

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The podcast for secondary-school students where we interview future and existing engineers to find out what inspired their choice of career, how they got there and what motivates them. It might just motivate you, too. Inspired by the need for more women in UK engineering – currently fewer than two in ten – we set about raising awareness of this engaging career path. As the series unfolds, meet students, educators and industry professionals, interviewed by the recruiters that help place them. From Microsoft to Historic England, our sincere thanks go to all our valued guests.

  1. S2:06 Sweet Engineering Gigs: Chloe and Lauren at Mars Wrigley

    6D AGO

    S2:06 Sweet Engineering Gigs: Chloe and Lauren at Mars Wrigley

    Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of Chloe and Lauren, two talented female engineers working at Mars Wrigley. Yes, the chocolates and chewing gum company! 😋 They share their paths into engineering, overcoming barriers and the importance of diversity and representation in the sector. More than anything, this episode underscores the vital role of early education, mentorship and diverse representation in shaping the future of engineering. Chloe and Lauren exemplify how passion and resilience break down stereotypes, paving the way for more inclusive industries. Listen, be inspired, and consider how you can support the next generation of engineers! Key Topics: The apprenticeship routes into engineering: Chloe’s and Lauren’s journeys Challenges and barriers faced by women entering engineering sectors The significance of female representation and diversity in engineering workplaces How early interests and hobbies can steer career choices (horses, animals, problem-solving) The impact of role models and family influence on career paths Practical insights into maintenance engineering and project involvement at Mars Wrigley Promoting engineering education and careers to young girls and women Real-world examples of engineering in a food manufacturing environment: hygiene standards, machinery maintenance and innovation projects Chapters: 00:05 - Introduction to Chloe and Lauren's roles at Mars Wrigley 00:34 - Chloe’s journey from GCSEs to apprenticeships in engineering 01:12 - Lauren's transition from college to maintenance planning at Mars01:44 - Early motivations and decision-making in choosing engineering paths 02:19 - Overcoming stereotypes and barriers as women in engineering 04:17 - The importance of role models and early exposure to engineering careers 06:19 - Female representation: challenges and significance in industrial sectors 07:14 - Day-to-day life in maintenance engineering—tasks and environment 08:32 - What a typical day looks like for Chloe and Lauren 11:24 - The role of safety, hygiene, and machinery upkeep in a food factory 12:53 - Educational pathways: degrees, apprenticeships, and skills needed 14:17 - Inspirational role models and family influences shaping careers 16:44 - Workforce overview and size of engineering teams at Mars sites 17:25 - Motivational advice for young women considering engineering careers 19:39 - Childhood ambitions and how passions evolve into careers 22:22 - Practical projects: from prototypes for the Royal Navy to house renovations 24:38 - The importance of encouraging more girls into engineering 25:24 - Advice for young women: believing in yourself and embracing diversity

    25 min
  2. S2:05 Beating Societal Expectations with Perseverance – Emma’s Story

    JAN 23

    S2:05 Beating Societal Expectations with Perseverance – Emma’s Story

    In this episode of the Pertemps Engineering podcast, our host Chloe Dowding interviews Emma Greatbatch-Hughes, a design engineer at Atlas Copco. Emma shares her journey into engineering, discussing her early inspirations, educational experiences, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She emphasises the importance of perseverance, seeking help, and breaking stereotypes in engineering. Emma also provides valuable advice for young women considering a career in engineering, encouraging them to pursue their interests and not be deterred by societal expectations.   Takeaways  Emma's early inspiration came from a maths teacher. Her journey into engineering began in college, not secondary school. She studied human biology, physics, and maths at college. A careers day led her to consider engineering as a career. Emma's passion for design was sparked by her hobby of making jewellery. She did face challenges as one of the few women in her engineering course. Emma's first job was as a design engineer at Mecatherm. She now works at Atlas Copco, focusing on bolting solutions. Emma encourages young women to ask for help and be honest about their knowledge. Emma firmly believes engineering is not just a dirty job and is open to everyone.    Sound bites  "It's not a man's world at all." "Engineering is such a broad term."   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Engineering Journeys 02:36 Early Inspirations and Educational Pathways 05:27 University Experience and Course Structure 08:04 Challenges and Triumphs in Engineering Education 10:56 First Job and Career Progression 13:27 Role at Atlas Copco and Daily Responsibilities 15:55 Advice for Young Women in Engineering 18:41 Breaking Stereotypes in Engineering 21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    23 min
  3. S2:04 Engineering a Globe-trotting Career with Bridgit Hartland-Johnson

    JAN 9

    S2:04 Engineering a Globe-trotting Career with Bridgit Hartland-Johnson

    In this conversation, Bridgit Hartland-Johnson shares her extensive career journey in the engineering sector, highlighting her early influences, international experiences, and the challenges she's faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry. She emphasises to our interviewer, Guy Haughton, the importance of mentorship, support networks and the need for diversity and inclusion in engineering. Bridgit also offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers, encouraging them to follow their passions and seek out opportunities for growth and development. As she reflects on her career, she shares her desire to continue contributing to the industry, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and social mobility.   Takeaways  Bridgit's family background greatly influenced her career choice in engineering. She emphasises the importance of practical experience and curiosity in engineering. Diversity in engineering is crucial for innovation and problem-solving. Mentorship and support networks are vital for career development. Bridgit encourages young people to pursue their passions in engineering. She highlights the need for the engineering sector to attract diverse talent. Bridgit's international experience enriched her understanding of global engineering challenges. She believes in the importance of making engineering appealing to young people. Bridgit reflects on the privilege of her career and the opportunities she's had. Despite 'retiring', she still plans to continue contributing to the engineering field in a non-exec capacity.    Sound bites  "You can learn the maths." "You need a network of support." "Follow your heart, honestly."   Chapters  00:00 Bridgit's Background and Career Journey 03:02 Early Influences and Education in Engineering 08:45 Career Development and International Experience 14:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Engineering Careers 19:51 Working in India and the Impact of Smart Grids 25:10 Reflections on Career Choices and Future Directions 26:53 The Journey of Women in Engineering 29:00 Building Networks and Support Systems 32:30 Retirement and Continued Involvement 36:18 Encouraging the Next Generation 40:16 Diversity in the Engineering Sector 44:53 Mentorship and Support in Careers 46:46 Widening the Talent Pool

    49 min
  4. S2:03 A Love for Innovation, Engineering and Impact, with Katy

    12/23/2025

    S2:03 A Love for Innovation, Engineering and Impact, with Katy

    In this episode, Kelsie interviews Katy Milne, an engineer from the Manufacturing Technology Centre, discussing her journey into engineering, the diverse applications of engineering in various industries, and the importance of encouraging young girls to pursue STEM careers. Katy shares insights on innovations in manufacturing technology, including 3D printing and safety technologies, while also addressing the challenges women face in the engineering field and the need for more inclusivity. The conversation highlights the endless career pathways available in engineering and the importance of hands-on experience in education. Takeaways Katy always wanted to be an author before discovering her passion for engineering. Engineering encompasses a wide range of industries and applications. 3D printing is revolutionising manufacturing and design processes. The culture in engineering is becoming more inclusive for women. Career pathways in engineering are diverse and flexible. Hands-on experience is crucial in engineering education. Women in engineering face challenges but the numbers are improving. Encouraging young girls to pursue STEM is essential for the future. Engineering roles are not limited to traditional definitions; they are evolving. There are many resources available for those interested in entering engineering. Sound bites "I wanted to be an author." "3D printing is a disruptive technology." "The pathways in engineering are endless." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:39 Engineering Career Pathways 05:38 Diverse Applications of Engineering 08:31 Innovations in Manufacturing Technology 11:21 3D Printing and Its Impact 14:20 Safety and Inspection Technologies 17:04 The Future of Engineering Careers 19:42 Challenges for Women in Engineering 22:32 Encouraging Young Girls in STEM 25:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    28 min
  5. S2:02 Overcoming adversity and achieving impact – Helen’s journey

    12/15/2025

    S2:02 Overcoming adversity and achieving impact – Helen’s journey

    Summary In this episode of the Pertemps Engineering Podcast, Kelsie interviews Helen Famodimu, a Quality Assurance Engineer at Atlas Copco. Helen shares her journey into engineering, the challenges she faced as a female engineer and the importance of support systems in overcoming obstacles. She emphasises the need for more awareness and encouragement for young girls to pursue engineering careers, and she discusses the real-world impact of engineering projects. Helen's passion for her work and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers shine through in this engaging conversation.Takeaways Engineering is a broad field with many opportunities. Support systems are crucial for success in engineering. Female engineers can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Curiosity and problem-solving are key traits for engineers. Quality assurance is vital for safety and compliance in engineering. Encouragement from family can significantly impact career choices. Understanding fundamental concepts is essential in engineering education. There are various pathways into engineering, including apprenticeships. Inspiring young girls to pursue engineering is important for diversity. Real-world projects can have a significant impact on communities. Sound bites "Engineering is a broad field." "My journey is my journey." "Don't let anyone else get to you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Engineering and Personal Journey04:56 The Role of a Quality Assurance Engineer08:23 Diverse Industries in Engineering10:44 Early Influences and Education13:43 Challenges as a Female Engineer19:51 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Seeking Help24:33 The Importance of Support Systems27:14 Passion for Engineering and Overcoming Challenges29:56 Encouraging Young Girls in Engineering33:13 The Need for More Female Engineers40:15 Breaking Stereotypes in Engineering41:41 Real-World Engineering Projects and Their Impact

    40 min
  6. S2: 01 Engineering as a Path For Everyone

    11/27/2025

    S2: 01 Engineering as a Path For Everyone

    Kicking off season two after a short break, in this episode, we explore the journey of Hollie Cook, a mechanical engineer at Thames Water, who shares her experiences and insights into the engineering field. Hollie discusses her late discovery of her passion for engineering, the challenges faced by women in the industry, and the importance of diversity in engineering teams. She emphasises the impact of engineering on society, particularly in essential services like water supply, and encourages young girls to pursue careers in engineering. Hollie also highlights the value of hands-on experience through apprenticeships and shares her aspirations for the future of engineering. Takeaways Hollie Cook is a mechanical engineer at Thames Water, who discovered her passion for engineering later in her education. Women in engineering face unique challenges but can thrive in the field. Engineering has a significant impact on society, especially in essential services like water supply. Encouraging young girls to pursue engineering is crucial for the industry's future. Diversity in engineering teams leads to better problem-solving and innovation. Hollie emphasises the importance of hands-on experience through apprenticeships. She's worked on projects that save millions in operational costs. The engineering field's constantly evolving, offering various career paths. Hollie encourages aspiring engineers to explore different areas and find their niche. Sound bites "Engineering's a path for everyone." "Encouraging young girls is crucial." "Hands-on experience is invaluable." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Engineering and Apprenticeship Journey 02:42 Discovering Passion for Engineering 05:29 The Role of Women in Engineering 08:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Engineering 11:00 The Impact of Engineering on Society 13:27 Encouraging Young Girls in Engineering 16:05 Future of Engineering and Personal Aspirations 18:53 Real-World Applications of Engineering 21:36 Overcoming Obstacles in Engineering Projects 24:24 The Importance of Diversity in Engineering 26:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Engineers

    33 min
  7. S1: 08 Engineering Life's Essentials with Julie

    09/29/2025

    S1: 08 Engineering Life's Essentials with Julie

    Summary In this episode of the Pertemps Engineering podcast, engineering recruiter Kelsie interviews Julie, a water engineering leader at Thames Water. They discuss Julie's journey into engineering, the importance of water to us all, environmental engineering and the need for diversity in the field. Julie shares her experiences with innovative projects, the challenges she's faced as a female engineer, and her thoughts on inspiring the next generation of engineers. Takeaways - Julie's journey into engineering was motivated by a desire to work on essential environmental issues. - Water engineering is crucial for sustainability and public health. - Diversity in engineering is necessary to tackle modern challenges effectively. - Julie emphasises the importance of teamwork and creativity in engineering. - She believes that engineering offers continuous learning opportunities throughout one's career. - Challenges faced by women in engineering include bias and lack of representation. - Julie encourages more women to consider engineering as a career path. - Her projects have focused on innovative solutions for environmental issues. - Julie reflects on the importance of mentorship and support in the engineering field. - The conversation highlights the need for better representation of engineering in popular culture. Soundbites - "I couldn't find anything more essential." - "It's just the most fascinating job." - "I had to fight to have a toilet." Chapters 00:22 Julie’s Engineering Journey Begins 03:51 The Importance of Water Engineering 09:33 Diversity in Engineering 14:43 Challenges Faced as a Female Engineer 18:36 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

    19 min
  8. S1:07 Pivoting, Educating and Inspiring with Rebeccah

    08/25/2025

    S1:07 Pivoting, Educating and Inspiring with Rebeccah

    Summary In this conversation, Ashleigh Robinson interviews Rebeccah Wilcox, a Skills Sector Lead in engineering at Solihull College & University Centre, discussing the significant skills gap in the engineering field, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and the various pathways available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in engineering. They explore the challenges faced by women in the industry, the need for better education about engineering roles, and the importance of networking and career fairs. Rebeccah emphasises the need for more women in engineering and the value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. The conversation concludes with advice for the younger generation on exploring career options in engineering and the importance of reaching out for support. Takeaways There is a significant skills gap in engineering. Diversity in engineering is crucial for innovation. Women are underrepresented in engineering roles. Networking and career fairs are essential for career exploration. Engineering can encompass a wide range of interests and skills. It's important to educate young people about engineering opportunities. Experience and mentorship can greatly influence career paths. Support for neurodiverse individuals in engineering is growing. Small changes in the industry can lead to significant improvements. It's never too late to pursue a career in engineering. Sound Bites "Don't let anyone intimidate you." "Engineering is for anybody." "Reach out and ask questions." Chapters 00:05 Exploring Engineering Education and Skills Gap 03:25 The Role of Women in Engineering 06:17 Defining Engineering and Its Diverse Paths 12:32 Career Development and Networking in Engineering 17:09 Exploring Diverse Engineering Opportunities 19:11 Navigating Career Paths in Engineering 21:50 Empowering Women in Engineering 25:11 Making a Difference Through Engineering 30:28 The Importance of Diversity in Engineering 32:21 Guiding the Next Generation in Engineering

    35 min
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About

The podcast for secondary-school students where we interview future and existing engineers to find out what inspired their choice of career, how they got there and what motivates them. It might just motivate you, too. Inspired by the need for more women in UK engineering – currently fewer than two in ten – we set about raising awareness of this engaging career path. As the series unfolds, meet students, educators and industry professionals, interviewed by the recruiters that help place them. From Microsoft to Historic England, our sincere thanks go to all our valued guests.

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