Celebrating women shaping the future of manufacturing

Last month, Machinery & Manufacturing’s publisher Laura Crawford joined industry leaders, MPs and educators at the House of Commons to mark Ada Lovelace Day, a national celebration of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Hosted by Lloyds Banking Group and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the breakfast event explored how collaboration across government, education and industry can inspire more women and girls to see manufacturing and engineering as exciting, rewarding career paths.

Women currently represent just over 26% of the UK’s manufacturing workforce. While this number is rising, it highlights the progress still to be made. According to MAKE UK, closing the gender gap could unlock an additional £6 billion for the UK economy. The event also reinforced the Government’s ‘35 by 35’ initiative, aiming to increase the proportion of women in manufacturing to 35% by 2035. The atmosphere in the room was one of optimism and shared responsibility.

Setting the stage for change

This year’s Ada Lovelace Day breakfast made one thing clear: the stage is set. Industry has shown that the building blocks are in place for the future of manufacturing to thrive by breaking down gender disparities and opening doors for women at every level, the sector is laying foundations for long-term success.

The rallying call is simple – the rest of the industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and local manufacturers, must step up. Supporting young people regionally will transform momentum into a movement. Representation starts with opportunity and opportunity begins close to home.

After a warm welcome from Jodie Gosling MP, the keynote address by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills and Women & Equalities, emphasised the importance of visibility and representation in shaping the next generation of engineers.

Fiona Mee, Chief People Officer at MTC, reflected on inclusion and innovation: “It’s an absolute honour to be here supporting Ada Lovelace Day, the celebration of inclusion, innovation and the transformative power of representation. We must ensure that women are not only entering the manufacturing workforce but also thriving and shaping our future.”

Finding purpose in engineering

Faith Varghese, a third-year Design Engineer Apprentice at Parker Meggitt, shared her journey: “From the moment I got the call saying I’d got in, I’ve enjoyed every moment. Every day has been different, with opportunities to meet new people, visit new places, and learn innovative skills.”

Addressing misconceptions, Faith added: “People don’t always say, ‘you can’t do this because you’re a girl’. Instead, they say, ‘you only got this opportunity because you’re a girl’. So what? Let them talk while you’re changing the world right here.”

Alexia Williams, Through-Life Technical Lead at Rolls-Royce, shared her path from childhood curiosity to becoming one of just 12 women under 25 in the UK to achieve Chartered Engineer status: “The real spark came in Year 9 when I met a GKN graduate at a careers show. That one conversation changed everything for me.

Alexia emphasised action over accolades. “If we want to close the skills gap, we need more women in engineering and manufacturing and to show that this sector is both exciting and rewarding.”

A shared commitment to progress

The event celebrated the partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and MTC, supporting skills development and innovation since 2015, training over 5,000 engineers, graduates and apprentices. Organisations like Enginuity, Primary Engineer and MAKE UK were recognised for inspiring young people and promoting diversity, through initiatives like Enginuity’s ‘365 Faces of STEM’ and the upcoming ‘Girls Can Engineer Storybook 2025’.

Adam Tipper, Managing Director at Next Gen Makers said: “Today highlighted young women blazing a trail in manufacturing and influential people wanting to see more. Events like this will be a platform to inspire more women. Our sector, male-dominated and facing talent shortages, must do everything to encourage diverse talent. Our priority is finding as many people as possible who want to ‘be an engineer’ and ‘make stuff’.”

Stacy Denton-Beaumont of Boneham & Turner, added: “Highlighting the importance of a diverse workforce is vital for the UK’s growth. Showcasing innovation, dynamic applications, and personal growth opportunities must start in early education. The 26% of women currently in manufacturing must engage with schools, colleges and educational charities. Events like Ada Lovelace Day show the Government recognises the value women bring to industry and is committed to ‘35 by 35.’ It also highlights that women in manufacturing want to inspire and lift each other up. This is a powerful message.”

Reflecting on the morning, Laura Crawford said: “The energy in the room showed the sector’s potential when we come together. It wasn’t just a celebration; it was a call to action. The stage is set for lasting change. Now we need everyone across the industry to play their part.”

Ada Lovelace Day may only come once a year, but the conversations and connections shared at the House of Commons will continue driving the sector forward. When representation meets opportunity and words are followed by action – the future of manufacturing looks brighter than ever.