At RAF Coningsby, we work hard to promote a diverse and inclusive force; we support opportunities that celebrate the achievements of our personnel and encourage initiatives that seek to bridge the disparity between the percentage of male and female engineers in the Royal Air Force.
International Women in Engineering Day was launched in 2014 for the 95th Anniversary of the Women’s Engineering Society which in turn was created by pioneering women who worked in temporary engineering roles during World War One.
To celebrate the event, we have spoken to some of the inspirational female engineers at RAF Coningsby:
“I am immensely privileged to work with such an exceptional and diverse Engineering team whose outstanding professionalism, technical acumen and collaborative team working enable RAF Coningsby to deliver its crucial role for Defence. Diversity is vital for effective innovation and to harness the talents of our workforce; it’s at the very heart of our success.”
- Wing Commander Kate Macartney, Officer Commanding Engineering Wing
“From an early age I was interested in a hands-on job because of the influence of my father and his work on cars. When I stumbled across the RAF engineering role, I became very interested because of the practical element, the idea of working on aircraft and doing something mentally challenging. Everyone gets treated the same by management with the opportunities that we get offered. In the workplace we constantly work as a team, and you never feel left out or excluded and working as a team is always enjoyable and entertaining. The RAF is always very inclusive and are always making improvements to keep up to date with the latest inclusion policies.”
- Senior Aircraftman Gemma Barnsdale
“Growing up in the Midlands, there was not a huge military influence so joining the RAF never really occurred to me but following a careers day and seeing what the RAF had to offer I was taken. I went to join at 16 but back then was told I needed to be 17 as a female to join…how times have changed!! Fast forward a couple of years and a BTEC in Engineering completed, I went to the Air Forces Career Office. At the time I was offered all the technical trades, but Weapons just sounded the coolest, working with ejection seats and bombs! I have enjoyed over 20 years of service, working mostly on Tornado, going to places I would never have seen in an ordinary job, working with incredible people.”
- Corporal Paula Walster
“The advice I can give to anyone wishing to join an engineering role in the RAF is to not let adversity/change/failure stop you. Be determined, have faith, and use the skills and knowledge you already have working with others and 99% of the time you resolve the issue and often find ways to improve ways of working and as an engineer I will leave you with my favourite line “work smarter, and make life easier for yourself and the team” and you will enjoy a role in engineering.”
- Sergeant Lynsey Smith
“I would say to younger girls who are unsure of becoming an engineer – do not compare yourself to your male counterparts. I did not grow up working on bikes or fixing my own car – I didn’t even know how an engine works. All you need to start is an interest in figuring something out. From that, you get a sense of achievement when you understand something and can use that knowledge to fix something. The RAF will offer all the training you need, and you will surprise yourself with how much you do know.”
- Senior Aircraftman Technician Holly Webb
