The inaugural event brought together global engineering organisations, regional employers and young people to explore the vast opportunities available within modern engineering and technology.
The evening highlighted the creativity, innovation and diversity of career pathways available to women across the sector.
Despite engineering being one of the most exciting and fast-evolving industries in the UK, women currently make up less than 17 per cent of the engineering and technology workforce, according to EngineeringUK.
Derby College Group’s event formed part of its positive action commitment under the Equality Act 2010, designed to encourage more women into engineering while remaining open to all.
Real stories. Real pathways. Real inspiration
Students had the opportunity to engage directly with leading employers, including Network Rail, Siemens Mobility, Porterbrook, Alstom, Derby University, Taudevin Engineering Limited, Vaillant, Niras, Loram, TecForce, The Mental Wealth Company and representatives from the British Army, alongside Women in Rail and SheCanEngineer.
Interactive workshops included 3D printing demonstrations, hands-on engineering activities, and live soldering stations.
Leah, 14, from Chellaston Academy, attended with her mum, Lauren. While carefully soldering components during one of the practical sessions, she shared how inspiring it was to see the variety of options available.
“It’s been a great event. I’m just looking at what options are out there,” she said.
“My dad is an aerospace engineer, so I’ve always been around it, but seeing it all here makes it feel real.”
Sienna, 14, from Bolsover, who attended with her dad James, said the evening had opened her eyes to the range of possibilities: “I’m interested in engineering but wasn’t sure what direction to go in.
“Hearing from different companies and women already doing it has made me think much bigger.”
Beth, 15, from Chellaston Academy, attending with her dad Steve, said; “It’s really encouraging to see women in leadership roles in engineering. It makes it feel achievable.”
Industry leaders and current women engineers show what is possible
Steve Goss, Business Manager at Taudevin Engineering Limited, attended with Hafza, 17, who is currently studying Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing and will progress to the BEng Honours degree apprenticeship at The Roundhouse this summer.
After initially considering medicine, Hafza discovered engineering through an open day at Derby College Group. Now thriving as the only female on her course, she has worked on CAD projects, workplace design concepts and even contributed to work on a historic triplane project at TEL.
Hafza said: “I’m really excited about where engineering can take me. I didn’t realise how creative and varied it is.
“Being here tonight and meeting other women in the industry makes me feel so confident about my future.”
Steve Goss added: “Engineering needs diverse talent. Hafza is a fantastic example of what happens when young people are given opportunity and encouragement.
“Events like this show students and parents that there are clear, structured pathways from college to degree apprenticeships and into rewarding careers.”
Taudevin Engineering Limited works with clients across aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, offering services in precision engineering, design support and manufacturing solutions.
The company also provides strong apprenticeship routes, giving young people direct access to industry-level experience.
Sarah Myatt, Loram’s Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Director, and her team, also showcased their apprenticeship opportunities.
Loram, headquartered in the United States with operations based at Pride Park in Derby, is a global leader in rail maintenance services and technology.
Sarah Myatt said: “We are proud to be a family business spanning three generations. The rail and engineering sector offers incredible opportunities for women.
“Apprenticeships are a powerful way to enter the industry, combining hands-on experience with recognised qualifications.
“There has never been a better time for women to step into engineering.”
Bombardier Fiona Dunbar from the ceremonial King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, based in Chilwell, spoke about the wide range of engineering roles available within the Army.
“There are more opportunities for women in Army engineering roles than ever before,” she explained.
“The support systems in place, including around family life and pregnancy, mean women can build long-term, fulfilling careers. This truly is the time to be a female engineer in the Army.”
Powerful women in engineering panel discussions
The evening featured panel discussions and talks focused on destinations and routes into engineering, breaking barriers and women in leadership.
Speakers shared personal journeys, challenges overcome and practical advice on navigating career pathways from college courses and apprenticeships to degree-level qualifications and leadership roles.
Johanna Sendallar, Teacher of Engineering at Derby College Group and the driving force behind the event, said:
“This event is about showing young people what engineering really looks like today. It is creative, collaborative, high-tech and full of opportunity.
“We want everyone who attended to leave knowing there is a place for them in this industry, whatever their background or starting point.
“And a massive thank you to all the organisations that supported us, it is so appreciated.”
Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at Derby College Group, added:
“The strength of this event lies in the partnership between education and industry. By bringing employers directly into our learning environment, students can see tangible career pathways and hear authentic stories.
“If we are serious about addressing skills shortages and improving diversity in engineering, we must create opportunities like this that build confidence, aspiration and access.”
A strong start for female engineers of the future
The Women in Engineering event highlighted the breadth of opportunities available for young women in engineering and reinforced Derby College Group’s commitment to building inclusive, future-focused pathways into high-value technical careers.
With strong employer engagement, hands-on experiences and inspiring role models, the inaugural event marks a significant step in encouraging more young women across the region to consider engineering as a viable and exciting career choice.
