Breaking barriers and building futures

At McMenon Engineering, we know that innovation thrives when everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender. That’s why on International Women in Engineering Day 2025, we’re proud to spotlight three of our exceptional colleagues who are challenging stereotypes, mastering new skills, and proving that engineering is for everyone.

This year’s theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, perfectly reflects the culture we strive to build at McMenon, where inclusion, curiosity, and ambition fuel our success.

Beth Sewell – Assembly Technician
Beth’s journey into engineering wasn’t conventional, but it’s one that shows just how many doors can open when you say yes to opportunity. When the restaurant she worked at closed,
Beth enrolled in a “Creating Careers in Cumbria” course with Morgan Sindall, which led to a placement at McMenon. It wasn’t long before she joined our team full time.

“I didn’t want to be in hospitality anymore, I wanted something different, but not just a typical office job,” Beth explains. “I love that my role is so varied. It’s challenging in a good way, I’m learning new things and applying different skills every day.”

Beth has her sights set on a future in inspection, where she hopes to continue growing her technical knowledge and career in engineering. Her advice to other women considering engineering? “Don’t be put off by the fact it’s traditionally male dominated, there are so many different paths and so many opportunities.”

Alanis Sanchez – Deputy Team Leader, Glass Variable Area
Alanis’s path began with a GCSE in Design & Technology, followed by engineering qualifications at Lakes College and Gen2. After a couple of years in customer service, she knew she wanted something more hands-on, and found the perfect fit at McMenon.

“Because I’m trained in different areas, every day looks different. I might be working on a computer one day, then on the shop floor the next,” she says.
Currently in a deputy leadership role, Alanis is progressing quickly and is passionate about continuing to grow within the company. Her message to other young women? “Go for it, even if people say it’s a man’s job. When I started welding, it was controversial and hard to get placements. But it’s so much more diverse now. Don’t let anyone hold you back.”

Bobby Winter – Assembly Technician
For Bobby, engineering wasn’t always on the radar, but it became the right next step after working in care and going through a personal loss. With family members in engineering, she saw an opportunity and decided to take it.

“I never thought I was capable of a career in engineering,” Bobby admits. “But I saw McMenon supports women in engineering, and that gave me confidence. I just thought, why not?”

Now thriving in a hands-on role where she gets to build, learn, and grow every day, Bobby has one key piece of advice: “Don’t doubt yourself. You’re capable of more than you’ll ever know. I was nervous about entering a male-dominated space, but the team is great. If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you can achieve.”

Engineering a more inclusive future
At McMenon, we’re proud to create space for voices like Beth’s, Alanis’s, and Bobby’s, because their stories aren’t just inspiring, they’re essential to building a more diverse and dynamic future for engineering.
As Shiby Bernard, our Chief Operations Officer, says: “Women have made significant contributions to engineering throughout history, and it’s
crucial that we continue to nurture and inspire the next generation. By embracing diversity, we unlock new perspectives, ideas, and innovations that drive positive change.”

This International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate the progress made and reaffirm our commitment to creating more opportunities for women and girls in STEM.