Grace Lewis had her eyes opened by NASA, was supported by
University of South Wales and is now lead engineer at Aston
Martin.
To mark International Women in Engineering Day, The Welsh
Government wants to shine a light on the range of initiatives
aimed at encouraging girls into Science, Technology, Engineering
and Maths (STEM) careers, such as funding programmes specifically
focused at girls, with the aim of increasing the numbers from
secondary schools engaging with STEM industries. It also fully
funds degree apprenticeships in Engineering and Advanced
Manufacturing that combine real-world workplace learning with a
higher education qualification.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language,
said: “Wales is a great place
for tech and engineering companies to establish, invest and grow,
and there is a high demand for a skilled workforce. Historically,
women have been under-represented in this sector, and as a
Government, we're determined to change this.
“Learning engineering skills will put you on the path for careers
which will provide a good living and exciting experiences for the
rest of your working life. In Wales, you absolutely can succeed
as engineers.”
One woman who is living proof of this aspiration is Grace Lewis,
Lead Engineer at Aston Martin in the Vale of Glamorgan. She said:
“I had always been fascinated by science and maths while at
school and had a particular interest in Astronomy and Space
Travel. A school trip to the NASA sites opened my eyes up to how
many people work on making a space mission happen. Most of the
NASA employees I met were engineers, so this is when I first
started asking ‘can I be an engineer?'
“At university, I found the work-based learning aspect
particularly exciting, and it was such a privilege to apply my
current education in a world-leading aircraft engine plant. I
loved comparing my technical knowledge with industry best
practices and bringing new and emerging technologies into the
workplace.”
A degree apprentice graduate from the University of South Wales,
Grace joined the Product Development team at McLaren in Surrey in
2021, and was later approached by Aston Martin. She added:
“It felt like the right time to return to Wales, and to work for
such an iconic brand. Aston Martin have recently founded an
Inclusion Network with strands to support all minority groups
within the business. Aston Martin are working towards increasing
the female headcount within the business, particularly in
engineering roles.”
Grace is one of the Welsh Government's STEM Ambassadors. Speaking
about her role, she said:
“Volunteering as a STEM Ambassador has given me a platform to
share my skills with young learners while actively encouraging
them to consider STEM careers. My mission is to help the STEM
industries become a fairer and more accessible place for young
people - regardless of gender, birthplace or minority group. I've
been lucky enough to both welcome students on-site and visit them
at schools and colleges.”
Notes to editors
The annual International Women in Engineering Day is on 23 June.
It's organised by the Women's Engineering Society and celebrates
its 11th year in 2024.
