Better Business / Renishaw
Renishaw marks International Women in Engineering Day by highlighting employee perspectives
In recognition of International Women in Engineering Day 2024, on June 23, the global engineering technologies firm, Renishaw is showcasing the invaluable contributions of its female employees.
Despite women comprising only 13.7 per cent of the global engineering workforce in 2023, Renishaw aims to celebrate and highlight the impact of its female engineers and professionals.
- Breaking the mould: Natasha Balman’s journey
Natasha Balman, senior service and imports manager at Renishaw’s UK office, defies the traditional notion that only those with a STEM background can excel in engineering. “I studied Law at University because I wanted skills that would be beneficial in a work environment,” says Balman.
She began her career at Renishaw as a junior buyer and moved through various roles, gaining insights into the engineering sector through the company’s commercial graduate scheme. Balman emphasises the importance of diverse skills in engineering roles, noting, “Each role opened my eyes and provided more context about the entire supply chain.”
Natasha Balman, senior service and imports manager at Renishaw’s UK office
- Empowering apprentices: Ruqayyah Girach’s experience
Ruqayyah Girach, an engineering apprentice, joined Renishaw in autumn 2022. Her journey illustrates the potential of apprenticeships in shaping engineering careers.
“While I knew engineering would be a rewarding and enjoyable career for me, at first I wasn’t sure what type of engineer I’d like to be,” she explains. Girach’s current placement in the process improvement engineering team involves problem-solving and hands-on experience with machinery.
Ruqayyah Girach, an engineering apprentice, joined Renishaw in autumn 2022
She said: “Apprenticeships at Renishaw give you the freedom to try different things… It’s great to get this level of hands-on experience so early in my career.”
- Leadership and innovation: Dr Sarah Glanvill’s story
Dr Sarah Glanvill, lead materials scientist, joined Renishaw in 2018 after completing a PhD in corrosion science from the University of Birmingham. Her transition from academia to industry underscores the critical role of materials science in engineering. “Materials science is fundamental to good engineering,” she asserts.
Glanvill leads a team working on diverse projects, from developing new materials technology to improving product sustainability. Her leadership highlights the importance of translating academic research into real-world applications.
Dr Sarah Glanvill, lead materials scientist, joined Renishaw in 2018 after completing a PhD in corrosion science from the University of Birmingham
Dr Glanvill remarks: “It’s important for us to recognise the role that women have in engineering, but as the statistics show there is still much more to do to truly represent women in the sector.”
Find out more about Renishaw’s ‘Employee Perspectives’ at www.renishaw.com/en/employee-perspectives.
Main photo: Renishaw
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