International Women’s Day 2024 – #InspireInclusion

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements, which is part of a larger mission to forge a gender equal world. As part of this, Emma Thomson, Senior Inspection Engineer at ENGTEQ, CAN Group’s Engineering Business Stream, shares her experiences throughout her career journey in support of this year’s theme to #InsipreInclusion.

Background
 
“A career in engineering was never on my radar. Foreign languages and business studies were what I excelled in at school and I then subsequently pursued a degree in Public Policy & Management with an option for studying French. Straight after graduation I completed a post graduate intense summer course in computer science and this is what inspired me to follow a technical career. I started off doing temping work on technical helpdesks and technical administration which led to securing a permanent job as a technical assistant. I enjoyed this role so much that I decided to pursue engineering as a career and applied for an HNC in Mechanical Engineering at night classes. I found out I was accepted onto the course on my wedding day and commenced my first class the day I flew back from my honeymoon.  Four years later, I had also completed an HND and was promoted to Integrity Engineer.  
 
Integrity Journey 
 
Prior to joining ENGTEQ I had been working for another integrity company for 9 years and decided to pursue a more operational role. From day one at ENGTEQ I felt re-inspired and gained the valuable hands-on experience I was looking for in a more operationally-focused role.  

I received a lot of support and encouragement and within 6 months I was promoted to Senior Inspection Engineer. I have been at ENGTEQ for almost thirteen years now in a very varied and fulfilling role, which has included two seconded roles based full-time at client premises as Focal Point/Pressure Systems Integrity Engineer.  Additionally, I have continued my professional development doing several courses along the way such as API 570/API 510 & Plant Inspection level 2 courses.
 
My role in the last few years has been mostly focussed on late life assets and those going through decommissioning. This has typically involved reviewing procedures, Anomaly re-assessments, updating Risk Based Assessments and inspection plans to reflect revised timescales and conditions.  Late life assets have their challenges but can also can give a sense of accomplishment and as more and more assets go into decommissioning, I hope to continue to bring my skills and experience to this area in the foreseeable future.
 
Words of wisdom

You are never too old to start a career in Engineering. I was 27 when I decided Engineering was my future and twenty years on, I am still going strong. Believe in yourself & always keep learning, if we support each other the opportunities are endless.”

The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion, which emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society. By inspiring others to understand and value women's inclusion, we can forge a better world and Emma’s story hopes to inspire others to pursue their career goals.