Manufacturing network to champion women in engineering

Midlands-based manufacturing network, Made in the Midlands, is seeking female engineers and local businesses to enter and sponsor its annual Made in the Midlands Awards.

By introducing the “Women in Engineering” category for the first time, the network says it is targeting women working within manufacturing who act as role models and encourage more females into the sector.

The Award will recognise engineering ability and competences and can be entered by any woman working within a Midlands manufacturing role, ranging from shop floor to boardroom level.

The network says with the well-documented under-representation of women in engineering and manufacturing, the award serves to highlight the vital contributions women make and the importance of tapping into the talent pool of women in engineering.

Against the backdrop of a struggling economy, Made in the Midlands says the manufacturing and engineering sector is proving its worth in leading the UK to recovery and will further benefit from retaining existing, and attracting new candidates, from both genders, with the very best in engineering capability.

Besides the Women in Engineering Award, the network is also introducing a Young Inventor Award to honour the rising engineering stars of the future. In addition, Midlands firms that have invested in their business, grown their workforce, diversified, won overseas business and generally made a significant difference to the region will be recognised as well.

Now in its fourth year, the Made in the Midlands Awards ceremony will take place on 22nd October at Wolverhampton Science Park and will see Richard Noble OBE as a guest speaker and awards presenter. Now open for applications, all nominations must be made until 30th August to be considered.

For further information on how to enter the “Women in Engineering” category and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sophie Whittingham at sophie@madeinthemidlands.com or call 01902 255035.