FOCUS ON CAD / CAM
Tackling gender disparity in engineering
Locit has put a motorbike mechanic ’ s engineering dream back on track , fuelling its mission to tackle gender disparity in the sector . The company is championing women ’ s employment in the manufacturing and engineering sectors .
It follows a report from Engineering UK that revealed the number of women working in engineering dropped from 16.5 % to 15.7 % in the past year . Meanwhile , the gender split in manufacturing remains stubbornly imbalanced , with women making up only 26 % of the workforce .
At Locit , 25 % of its 45-strong workforce are women , distributed across production , administrative and sales roles . In recognition of International Women in Engineering Day 2024 ( INWED24 ), the Deeside-based company has pledged to redouble its efforts to address gender disparity in its business and showcase its advanced manufacturing processes and technologies to attract women into the sector
Jessy Pauletto exemplifies Locit ’ s initiative .
Jessy Pauletto .
As a production assistant , she plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process , ensuring smooth operations as Locit aims to meet growing demand . It is a dream job for the 34-year-old Brazilian , as she begins to fulfil her long-held career ambitions .
“ I was always curious about how things worked ,” Jessy explained . “ If a household appliance broke down , I would take it apart , work my way around its mechanism using guides and try to fix it . I had a mechanical mindset and loved using my hands .”
When Jessy couldn ’ t afford a technical education , she trained and worked as a masseuse and later as a tattoo artist . But the call to engineering was too strong , so she retrained as a motorbike mechanic . But after moving to the UK in 2021 , Jessy found that her Brazilian qualifications weren ’ t recognised , and she struggled to find suitable work .
At Locit , Jessy has found an environment where her skills and passion are valued and she can progress . In less than a year , Jessy has been promoted to team leader .
“ Just being in an engineering environment is a buzz ,” Jessy said . “ It ’ s where I feel most at home , getting my hands dirty and playing a part in making these fantastic products from scratch . While only a few of us women are on the factory floor , the guys are supportive and inclusive . Locit has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to work in a modern manufacturing environment , learn more skills and progress to working on the machinery . I feel incredibly lucky .”
ISMR October 2024 | ismr . net | 45