International Women in Engineering Day

For International Women in Engineering Day we asked some of our GMS engineers (and those with associated roles) about their job and what it’s like to work in a hospital environment.

Nyree O’Connor, Minor Works Project Manager

• Tell us about your role as an engineer during COVID

To keep the work moving along as best I can whilst respecting the worry around COVID for contractors. for example, I supported the wards in trying to deliver much needed doors to bays to make isolation areas. This was difficult as many trades people were reluctant to attend the hospital. We called on many contacts and new businesses to come and move doors around. It took a lot of persuasion and reassurance that we could keep them safe in carrying out the much needed carpentry.

• Your advice for women or girls considering choosing Engineering as a career

You will never have a dull day! If you are persistent, like details and how things work, and like problem solving, persevere the hard work at college/university, be open to listen to advice and go for it. Be yourself, not what other’s think you should be.

• Why did you chose engineering? Why do we need more female engineers?

I didn’t chose engineering, I stumbled into it, via a training scheme and was lucky to find Building Services Engineering suited me on many many levels. We need more ‘others’ in engineering because that’s how the world is made up! Engineers strive to improve our lived environment and need to fully represent people by working in the Construction/Medical or any other engineering discipline.

• What inspired you to do what you do/ become an engineer?

The inspiration is working with others to achieve a common goal, finding out the best and most economic ways to achieve that goal. But most importantly is working and learning from the other parties in the project that have passions and knowledge beyond your experience. You pick up little gems of wisdom.

• Why you are proud to be a woman in engineering?

I am proud that where I have worked in my 35 years in Building Services Management, I have always been met with respect and openness. You are an engineer with training, thoughts, ideas and the tenacity (capable of absorbing and retaining a large store of information and of recalling details accurately) to drive things forward and complete projects. This you do with your team and the value you bring to this process is not gender biased. On the odd occasion I haven’t (very small), my experience and professionalism as an engineer overrides any personal thoughts that person may have, as ultimately we are paid to get the job done.

Kate Trouse, Medical Engineering Apprentice

• Tell us about your role as an engineer during COVID

The nature of our work has made it a challenge to keep our working environment covid secure. We have had to change priorities often and understandably had limited access to wards and surgeries. I think it’s definitely made us appreciate each other’s skills more, as certain members of staff going off sick would have been pretty catastrophic. We can be proud that the procedures and attitudes developed last year has led to minimal disruption to a vital service.

• Your advice for women or girls considering choosing Engineering as a career

I can definitely say that I didn’t expect to be where I am today and as an older apprentice it’s never too late to try something new. There is a huge amount of scope to be able to specialise in Medical Engineering and you will be supported throughout your journey. It’s always worth approaching our staff if you are interested!

• Why did you chose engineering? Why do we need more female engineers?

I think it’s important to say that every workplace benefits from a diverse mix of people and experiences, and that you never know when a long forgotten skill might come in handy. I also have the honour of having our previous apprentice Laurana as a great role model!

• What inspired you to do what you do/ become an engineer

My first experience of Medical Engineering was from my role in the Equipment Library and I often found myself thinking ‘I could fix that with a bit of training.’

• Why you are proud to be a woman in engineering?

I have definitely come across some ‘archaic’ attitudes from staff, but it’s important to remember that actions speak louder than words and good work will always be recognised as such. The more we get ourselves out there, the less unusual it becomes. That said, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t take on the burden of representing all women, only yourself.

Laurana Milliner, Specialist Engineer

• Tell us about your role as an engineer during COVID

The hospitals rely on the equipment working correctly and that’s what makes our role as medical engineers so critical. Through COVID, we have been installing and testing equipment in the Emergency Department and Critical Care, particularly for oxygen supply and monitoring. We have also advised and assisted on the purchase of new equipment and helped with the logistics of bringing in equipment from private hospitals for use in the Trust.

• Your advice for women or girls considering choosing Engineering as a career

I would say to girls or women thinking of an engineering career that this sort of career offers some fabulous opportunities and you do not have to be physically strong to flourish, just strong will and determination is required.

• Why you are proud to be a woman in engineering?

I am most proud of entering a male dominated environment and not letting the idea of that, hold me back, my male colleagues were supportive and kind and it turn it made me more enthusiastic about my work.

Nicky Ricketts , Fire Safety Advisor

• Tell us about your role as Fire Safety Advisor during COVID

As a Fire Safety Advisor for GMS during the pandemic and all the changes that took place due to Covid-19, it was vitally important to ensure that fire safety was maintained throughout. It was necessary that all staff were aware and educated in relation to their new environment, ways of working and that the support was available to them.

Working within a hospital environment is a very diverse and complex setting. It became more challenging during the pandemic and staff and patient safety was paramount. Along with this it was important to build new relationships with all staff and maintain those relationships in such a difficult time. It was great to be a part of the GMS family and supporting each other, the hospitals and all staff in new ways, adapting as needed during a difficult and prolonged period of time.

• Your advice for women or girls considering choosing Fire Safety as a career

Anyone who is interested in fire safety, compliance and healthcare should consider a career in this role with GMS. There is opportunity and diversity where no day is the same. I enjoy meeting new people, advising and supporting them in fire safety related topics. I have been involved with larger projects and have met some amazing people along the way. My daily role as a fire safety advisor includes conducting and reporting Fire risk assessments, delivering trainings to all staff creating/ amending Fire strategy drawings and being therefore those that require assistance and advice. There is scope for progression and it is rewarding to be part of such an important team serving the community, honestly just do it you won’t regret it.

• Why did you chose your current role?

I have worked in healthcare for over 13 years and during my career I had progressed to health, safety and compliance obtaining many qualifications in that field. In recent years I moved across to fire safety and received further qualifications allowing me to be do a job I am passionate about. This year I have gone on a course specific to my role here which was supported by GMS. While being the only female within the class raises eyebrows from others participating in the course, it’s great to show that we women can do the role equally well. I have had great feedback and been well received by those I have supported during my time with GMS, some staff feel that being a woman I’m more approachable, accepting and obviously I like to talk where as others find it endearing that I have chosen a career in such a male orientated role.

• Why you are proud to be a woman in in your role?

I believe having the diversity within the GMS team is of great benefit for not only myself, GMS but also for those that use our services as it brings different views, opinions and experiences and have enjoyed my time with the company so far and look forward to what the future holds. For me being in a male orientated role I feel it drives me forward to achieve and challenge the norms, it’s a positive atmosphere and I work with an amazing team.

Kawun Williams, Energy Manager

• Why did you chose your current role?

I’ve always had an interest in sustainability, climate change and the environment from a young age which is why I’ve followed through to study Environment, Economics and Ecology as well as a Master’s degree in Environmental Management at university to where I am today.

• Your advice for women or girls considering choosing Energy Management as a career

If you have a passion for sustainability, give it a go. By following your interests you’ll learn a lot more from the job, experience more job satisfaction and a sense of achievement. If you’re looking to make a difference and be part of something big then I recommend the energy industry. The industry is very welcoming and open to all

• Why you are proud to be a woman in in your role?

When I first started working in the sector 15 years ago, it was male-dominated. The industry mainly consisted of engineers and surveyors, this was evident when attending industry conferences and networking events over the years. However, throughout my career, I have found more women are entering this field with a passion. More women seem to have joined with a similar non-engineering background as me, and I have found as a result they are bringing a new skill set to the industry, with the ability to engage in the conversation using non-technical language, which is easy for all stakeholders to understand.

In my role as an Energy Manager at the Trust, I believe the key skills important to this role are strong communication and interpersonal skills. This is because sustainability and energy cover such as wide topic, I’m required to speak to people at all levels and departments from HR, IT and engineering, listening to their views on the agenda.