Foxwood Diesel Promoting Women in Engineering

Last year's surveys proved to have some quite disappointing statistics: just 11% of the engineering workforce is women. According to the Women's Engineering Society (WES), the UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe.

Foxwood Diesel are beating these statistics. With two female engineers on the team, it means that 15% of our workforce is female. Research has shown that gender diversity directly correlates to business success, and coupled with the experience we have at Foxwood Diesel, we're confident that we're on an upward trajectory.

Speaking to Route One Magazine, Managing Director Ken Worsdale said, "Nikki started working for the business last year and has taken over the accounts side of things.

"Leigh joined in 2016 as an apprentice engineer, which she has now completed and is onto her Higher National Certificate."

Leigh combines her work with training at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Last year, she became AMRC's first female Apprentice of the Year. The award, sponsored by Boeing, meant she was able to enjoy a tour of the aerospace giant's sites in Seattle - learning more about the manufacturer.

Leigh has also been awarded Chesterfield's Apprentice of the Year in the North Midlands and South Yorkshire Apprentice Awards and Highly Commended Advanced Apprentice of the Year for the East Midlands in the National Apprenticeship Awards.

"Even though she's finished her apprenticeship, they still want to keep her as an ambassador for women in engineering," says Ken.

Working with the Young Apprentice Ambassadors Network, Leigh is a figurehead for engineering apprenticeships in the Yorkshire region and shares her passion for engineering with young students.

Casey Allen is Foxwood Diesel's other female engineer.

"Casey began working here when she was 15 years old as part of her school work experience. We didn't think she would actually like it, but she's still here now!" says Ken.

After the two-week work experience, she worked for the company during her six weeks' school holidays before being hired as an apprentice when she completed her GCSEs in 2015.