Today, June 23rd, is International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), and the theme for 2025 – #TogetherWeEngineer – really hits home for us at Mecsia. We are incredibly proud of the women who work across our group, of the vital work they do for our clients, and of the support they receive from our dedicated teams.

We know the stats. Women make up just 34% of the wider Facilities Management (FM) workforce, and a mere 16.5% of engineers. These numbers tell a story of underrepresentation, but they also highlight a huge opportunity. At Mecsia, across our group companies like Artic, Scott Combustion, ECG Facilities Services, Acorn, and Cambridge Maintenance Services, we’re seeing first-hand the powerful impact women have every single day.

Let’s meet some of the brilliant women engineering our future.

Breaking Barriers and Building Careers

Sometimes, the path to engineering isn’t a straight line. Just ask Caitlyn Gold, an AC Engineer at Artic. She made the leap from an office role to hands-on engineering, and Artic was right there with her. “They were super supportive,” Caitlyn shares, “putting me on the training I needed. During my apprenticeship, my managers and senior engineers were fantastic – I wasn’t treated any different as a woman.” This dedication to support is vital, ensuring talent can flourish wherever it’s found.

Natalie Newman, now a Helpdesk Manager at Artic, started as an administrator and worked her way up, proving that the FM world offers unexpected and rewarding career paths. “I didn’t even know facilities management was a thing until I started,” Natalie admits. “Now I love working closely with engineers and being part of the bigger picture.”

Over at Scott Combustion, Service Manager Vikki Reeves has seen the landscape change. “When I first started, the gender balance was definitely heavier on the male spectrum,” she says. “But now, there are definitely a lot more females making inroads.” Vikki’s experience has only made her more determined, highlighting that challenges can fuel growth. She even dares to suggest women can do the work “just as efficiently (or maybe dare I say it… better) than the male colleagues!” We love that confidence!

A Culture of Support and Growth

For us at Mecsia, it’s all about our people. Stephanie Winterbourne, a Job Group Executive Assistant at Mecsia, echoes this, noting how Acorn (part of the Mecsia Group) has “supported me massively. I have always been given opportunities to progress my career and been given the training and resources to help do so.”

This commitment to growth is a core part of who we are. Kodie Poturicic, HR Manager at Acorn, was inspired to pursue engineering precisely “to challenge gender stereotypes and show that engineering is a field open to everyone.” This drive fuels our collective mission.

At ECG Facilities Services, women haven’t just participated; they’ve played a “pivotal role in shaping the company from its inception.” ECG is proud to have employed many talented female engineers, including a nationally recognised BESA Female Apprentice of the Year. And it’s not just engineers – strong female representation spans all office functions, departmental leadership, and even the Senior Management Team. With many women staying for over 20 years, it’s clear that ECG, aligned with Mecsia’s people-first values, fosters an environment where women are empowered to push boundaries and grow.

Inspiration for the Next Generation

So, what advice do these trailblazers have for young women considering engineering?

Vikki Reeves from Scott Combustion keeps it simple: “I would say go for it, there is no reason as to why a woman could not become an engineer, the training is all the same, and I feel that our company would 100% support the progression and benefit from the insights of a woman on the job.”

Jennifer Duckett, an Electrical Engineer at Cambridge Maintenance Services, built her career on her late father’s advice to “get a trade behind you.” Now with 15 years’ experience, she recently took full ownership of electrical projects – a daunting but deeply satisfying step. Her advice? “Get your qualifications, embrace the challenges, find good mentors, and don’t give up when things get tough. The industry needs more women, and there’s room for all of us to succeed.”

#TogetherWeEngineer for a Brighter Future

These stories are just a glimpse of the talent and dedication thriving within the Mecsia Group. We’re incredibly proud of the women who are not only excelling in their roles but also inspiring future generations. By actively encouraging greater participation of women in engineering and FM, and by creating supportive, empowering environments, we believe we’re not just changing our industry – we’re building a more inclusive and innovative future for everyone.

Happy International Women in Engineering Day! Let’s continue to engineer a better world, together.