14 February 2025
University Centre Weston (UCW) hosted the groundbreaking session as part of its Lecture Series entitled Breaking Barriers: Engineering and Sustainability. On 15 January 2025, it threw light on the power of resilience, innovation, and diversity within the realm of engineering, besides stereotypes which help young women students to choose a STEM career path.
This impactful event was led by the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT), in collaboration with UCW, and featured Airbus, a key partner to both institutions. Airbus has been instrumental in creating industry-aligned education opportunities, particularly through its apprenticeship programs, which open doors to high-impact careers for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Inspiring Role Models in STEM
The evening showcased the journeys of two outstanding Airbus female engineers: Lucinda Blanchford and Hannah Smith. Both speakers told powerful stories about breaking down barriers in male-dominated spaces, embracing innovation, and making valuable contributions to the aerospace industry. Despite both joining and completing the same apprenticeship programme (Aerospace Engineering), their careers now could not be more different. Lucinda currently Heads up Inclusion & Diversity in the UK while Hannah is a lead engineer working on sustainable aviation fuels for the future. Their experiences underlined the importance of alternative pathways, such as apprenticeships, which have become vital in shaping diverse, skilled workforces and demonstrates how you can carve out a career using the skills and knowledge learnt along to transfer into other roles while progressing your career opportunities.
Diversity and Innovation Encouraged in STEM
The session Breaking Barriers reminded how committed WEIoT and UCW are to inclusion and opportunity in technical education. Through the Lecture Series, students get connected with the industry leaders such as Airbus, and hence the series has been empowering young women to break into societal norms and stereotypes, come forward and believe in their potential, and contribute to the solving of global problems such as sustainability and climate change.
Key Themes of the Lecture
- Breaking Stereotypes: Amazing stories about how to overcome the odds within traditionally male-dominated industries.
- Empowering Women in STEM: Breaking down barriers and showing a way forward for future generations.
- Sustainability in Engineering: How innovation can play a crucial role in global challenges.
- Alternative Routes to Success: How apprenticeships provide accessible routes to rewarding careers in STEM.
Claire Arbery, Director of WEIoT and host of the event, said:
“Breaking down stereotypes and encouraging young people, particularly young women, to consider STEM careers is at the heart of what WEIoT strives to achieve. With partners like Airbus, we are creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of innovators. This event has really shown just how impactful collaboration between education and industry can be.”
Watch out for more events in the UCW Lecture Series as WEIoT and its partners continue to inspire and educate the next generation of STEM leaders.
For more information about UCW and upcoming events, visit: www.ucw.ac.uk
