In celebration of Women in Engineering Day 2024, AZoCleantech spoke with two remarkable women from Siemens Energy: Jhonayah Fletchman and Lottie Edwards. As trailblazers in their field, Jhonayah and Lottie provide unique insights into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as women in the engineering industry. Join us as we delve into their inspiring journeys, exploring what it means to navigate and thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Can you please introduce yourself, describe your professional background, and describe the company that you both work for?
J: Hi, my name is Jhonayah Fletchman, and I am a Quality Engineer at Siemens Energy. I have worked at Siemens Energy since 2022, when I first joined as an apprentice.As a Quality Engineer I ensure that all standards and specifications are met by conducting pre-manufacturing and in-process inspections and audits at construction sites, equipment manufacturers, and materials suppliers. I play a key role in the Inspection and Test Plan process to closely manage the works and ensure a compliant product is delivered on time. I also regularly travel to project sites to complete inspections to guarantee the quality requirements of work I am required to assess.
L: Hi, my name is Lottie Edwards. I am a Platform Package Manager for Siemens Energy. I joined the team in 2016 as a Graduate Project Engineer. Following my graduate role, I progressed to the Senior Project Engineer level and then to Platform Package Manager, where I am responsible for the coordination and construction of Siemens Energy offshore substation platforms, our offshore transformer modules (OTMs), and offshore grid connections used to connect wind farms back to shore.
What led you to join Siemens Energy as an Engineer?
J: I have always been curious about roles in engineering, having studied Psychology, Maths, and Computer Science at A-Level. Although I initially did not know much about the specific tasks and type of work involved, I was aware that being an engineer requires strong problem-solving and analytical skills, which I believed complemented my chosen subjects. After my exams, I realized that I wanted to gain practical experience and train on the job, so I decided to pursue an apprenticeship with Siemens Energy.
L: Growing up, I always had a strong affinity for mathematics, and I was also influenced by my dad, who is also an engineer. This naturally led me to pursue a career in engineering. Initially, I did not know much about Siemens Energy or its operations. However, during the graduate scheme interview process, I discovered the company's significant involvement in renewable energy projects. Given that my degree heavily emphasized renewables, this alignment made Siemens Energy an ideal fit for my career aspirations, ultimately attracting me to their graduate scheme.
Image Credit: Maria Pilar/Shutterstock.com
Are there any female role models or mentors who have influenced your career? How have they shaped your approach to engineering?
J: I wouldn’t say there has been just one particular female mentor who has influenced my career. However, I find it incredibly encouraging when I see other women stepping into male-dominated management roles, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. It’s inspiring to feel that I’m part of that shift.
L: One of my female role models who has particularly influenced my career is Dame Ellen MacArthur. I have a strong memory of watching her circumnavigate the globe. It showed that she had incredible ambition, was determined, and did not give up. Plus, she did it single-handedly. During challenging times, I definitely try to embody Dame Ellen’s determination and confidence!
How has Siemens Energy’s commitment to diversity influenced your experience and success in the company?
J: Siemens Energy champions diversity. It is a very inclusive workplace, and it has definitely impacted my experience in a positive way.
I have also seen women who started in an entry-level role and are now in global management positions. That development comes from an inclusive and supportive workplace, where if you put your hand up for something or give direction about where you want your career to go, Siemens Energy will help you to achieve those goals. If you have the courage to say you can do it, you will get the opportunity, and that is something that I really value.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in engineering, and how has Siemens Energy supported you in overcoming these challenges?
J: I haven’t necessarily faced many challenges but have made sure that whatever I do, I put in 100 % so that any challenges that I faced would not be due to the nature of my gender. I have found it inspiring to be a woman in a male-dominated field. When I see other women in management roles, it’s so encouraging, and it gives me the confidence and energy to do my job and reach that level one day.
L: I have to agree with Jhonayah here. Most of the time, I do not see being a woman in engineering as a hindrance. Actually, it is sometimes a really good thing because you bring a different dynamic to the team. While there is still work to do, based on my experience, the sector has changed even in the space of time that I have been in the industry, particularly as more women enter the sector.
Lottie Edwards, Platform Package Manager at Siemens Energy. Image Credit: Siemens Energy
In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up engineering?
J: We need to make it a more comfortable choice and show that it is not unusual to choose this career path – to demonstrate any woman can do it. This means that we need to keep spreading the positivity around women in STEM and provide opportunities to those who want them. The industry needs to reflect the change they want to see in their business, and then it will all fall into place.
L: Engineering is commonly seen as quite a male-dominated industry. Actually, there are many successful women working in this space and being innovative. So, at times, it can be more of a perception rather than reality. Women are already working and succeeding in this space, and I would love to see even more diversity in the industry, which I think will happen over time.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in engineering?
J: If you are interested, ask questions! Do research, and do not be influenced by negative opinions or anyone telling you that you cannot do it. Speak to people and connect with individuals who can give you insight into what working in the industry is actually like, whether at career fairs or by reaching out to individuals via LinkedIn who are on similar career paths.
L: Engineering is a broader field than many people realize, offering a diverse range of experiences and challenges. Each day brings new problem-solving opportunities and a high level of job satisfaction. Don't let the male-dominated aspect deter you; if you're interested, go for it. Work experience and teamwork are crucial in engineering, and success relies on the collaboration of various disciplines.
Image Credit: NeelRong/Shutterstock.com
How do you think the engineering sector can improve when it comes to diversity and inclusion, especially in technical roles like yours?
J: I would love to see more schemes that encourage women to start a career in STEM. Highlighting the breadth of engineering roles available is crucial for this. There is not just one 'type' of engineer, and it is important for young people exploring careers to realize how many different areas they can specialize in within engineering.
L: I agree with Jhonayah. There are many different engineering roles. I think the more that can be done to demonstrate that an engineering role could involve working in loads of different environments, with different projects, and using different skills, the more attractive the industry becomes.
What do you want your legacy as an engineer to be? How are you working towards that?
L: It can also be easy to forget, but sitting back and remembering how important this technology is to our energy transition makes my workplace pretty special. Whether onshore, at a fabrication yard or offshore on a vessel overseeing construction, when a project goes live, it is so cool to think that it will be generating clean energy for years to come. I often imagine I am flying over the North Sea in a plane and able to see all the projects that I have worked on; it makes me feel like I am leaving behind a legacy.
J: I would love to look back on my career and see that I have grown within a company and have taken on more responsibility. Through doing that, I would also love to inspire young engineers and support more junior members with their career trajectories.
Jhonayah Fletchman is an Quality Engineer at Siemens Energy’s Digital Centre for Excellence in Manchester. Image Credit: Siemens Energy
What is the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career in engineering?
J: The most important piece of advice that I would give a woman thinking of starting a career in engineering would be to be confident. Do not let perception steer you to a career path you would not choose. If you are curious about engineering, research it and reach out to engineers and companies to learn more about it.
Create your own path and be confident.
L: Find a topic or subject that you are passionate about, and you will quickly find engineering roles that support it. Engineering underpins so much of our daily lives, so start by taking inspiration from something you care about – for me, renewables and the environment – and that is how I found my role at Siemens Energy.
About Jhonayah Fletchman
Jhonayah Fletchman is an Quality Engineer at Siemens Energy’s Digital Centre for Excellence in Manchester.
About Lottie Edwards
Lottie Edwards is a Platform Package Manager at Siemens Energy, where she coordinates and plans site works for offshore wind projects.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited (T/A) AZoNetwork, the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and Conditions of use of this website.