The boss behind a specialist Suffolk engineering firm has called on more women to consider joining the sector as part of International Women in Engineering Day.
Marked every day on June 23, the day aims to inspire women around the world to enter the sector, which continues to be dominated by men despite continued efforts to boost diversity.
Rachel Garrett is the Managing Director of Bentwaters-based CMG Technologies, the UK’s only specialist in metal induction moulding (MIM) and metal 3D printing.
She is joined by nine other women in her team, who account for 30% of the workforce – and whose products are renowned around the world.
Rachel said: “I couldn’t think of a more exciting industry to work in than engineering. Behind the exciting tools, big machines, sparks and sounds are fascinating people with a genuine passion for what they do.
“But with that in mind, it feels a real shame that just 29% of people working in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sector are women.
“In engineering on its own, I’d say the figure is probably even lower.”
Award-winning Rachel has been in the industry for almost 20 years, following in her father’s footsteps in joining the Suffolk business and rising her way through the ranks.
She said: “I’ve worked in this industry long enough now to know just how brilliant a sector it is.
“I started from the ground up at my business CMG Technologies (then Egide UK), taking on roles in the factory and working my way through the ranks before completing a management buyout of the business in 2013.
“And I’m pleased to say that not once have I ever struggled as a woman in the industry. People are so supportive.
“Everyone in the industry works for the same goal – crafting new creations or finding solutions to problems through the power of technology. It’s a collaborative workforce of people who all want to see each other achieve.
“I would love to see more women join it, especially young people.”
While CMG’s name might not be visible on the products it helps create, its reach has extended around the world. So much so in fact that it was acquired by the world’s largest MIM specialist, INDO-MIM in 2023.
The business was quick to act during the Covid-19 pandemic amid the global shortage of ventilators, with CMG being one of very few businesses which could create integral parts for the machines.
That saw production quickly ramp up from around 1,000 parts a month to more than 10,000.
The theme for this year’s International Women in Engineering Day is #EnhancedByEngineering, with Rachel keen to inspire more young people through future school visits this year to spread the message.
Rachel added: “The most amazing thing about engineering is how it has the ability to change the world. The things you create can make a huge difference to people’s lives.
“I would hate to think of all the talented people missing out because they don’t feel they’d be welcomed.
“The next woman to put in an application for a job could go on to become an internationally-revered, prize-winning engineer – that’s how limitless the opportunities are.”
Away from the plaudits CMG has received from its customers, it has also garnered national attention for its wellbeing initiatives for staff.
That includes being one of the first businesses in Suffolk to introduce the four-day week in 2015.
The move has proven hugely beneficial, not just in terms of productivity, but also for personal commitments – particularly for mums like Rachel.
“We’ve got such a great work dynamic here at CMG,” she said. “It’s something I’m really proud of and it perfectly captures what the industry is all about.
“And if the practical side of things aren’t a good fit for you, that’s ok. There are numerous roles out there in marketing, admin and sales.
“Don’t sit on your curiosity. Do your research and contact a company for a chat if they have a role you’re interested in.
“This is such a supportive sector and I’d like to think other businesses would echo every word I’ve said.”
More information on CMG Technologies and its work can be found at www.cmgtechnologies.co.uk.
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