International Women in Engineering Day: Fire engineering group supports diversity

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on June 23, the London Fire Brigade has highlighted its dedication to supporting women and girls in engineering.

As reported by London Fire Brigade, the organisation’s Fire Engineering and Fire Investigation teams are fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for women in STEM through both internal and external initiatives.

The Fire Engineering Group plays a crucial role in supporting fire investigations and safety enforcement activities, conducting over 10,500 building consultations annually.

Since 2017, the team has grown from seven members to 26, with nearly 40% being women, surpassing the national average of 16%.

The Brigade funds and supports individuals from various staffing groups to gain fire engineering qualifications.

It also introduced a graduate entry programme, aiming to attract talent from broader engineering and science backgrounds.

Lynsey Seal, joint head of the Fire Engineering Group, exemplifies the organisation’s commitment: “Our Fire Engineering is probably the most diverse team in the Brigade.

“We’ve a really good culture; everyone looks out for each other and is supportive.”

Outreach by the fire investigation team

Externally, the Brigade’s Fire Investigation (FI) team encourages young women to pursue careers in forensic science and engineering.

Members Steve Girling and Lisa Wincott have conducted outreach with Norbury High School for Girls (NHSG), enabling students to engage directly with Fire Investigators.

Natalie Joyce, a Forensic Science teacher at NHSG, praised the initiative: “The students loved every minute of the experience.

“They learned so much, and meeting the team has definitely inspired some of the girls to pursue forensics.”

The partnership, now in its second year, provides students with a broader view of careers within the London Fire Brigade and the scope of forensic science and engineering.

Promoting inclusion and professional development

The London Fire Brigade continues to champion inclusion through various initiatives celebrating women in engineering.

From internal professional development to outreach programmes, the organisation is committed to creating awareness of opportunities within the Brigade and breaking down barriers for women in STEM fields.

Lynsey Seal’s participation as a STEM ambassador and member of the Women’s Engineering Society highlights this commitment.

She regularly engages in outreach to inspire the next generation of female engineers and recently presented on creating inclusive work environments at the University of Central Lancashire.

A conversation with Rebecca Allen from Kentec

Rebecca Allen, Senior Supervisor in the Metal Department at Kentec, shared her experiences in engineering in celebration of INWED.

Rebecca transitioned from a shift manager role at McDonald’s to Kentec, receiving extensive support and training to gain knowledge in engineering.

Rebecca led a project to improve the efficiency of the cleaning bay operation in the metal workshop, which enhanced product quality and staff morale.

She noted: “Everyone here is very accepting. Everyone just gets on; everyone respects job roles; it doesn’t really matter about sex in the factory.”

Rebecca advises young women considering joining the fire industry to “get stuck in and give it a try.”

She also highlighted the support and mentoring she received, particularly from Scott Venus, Director of Manufacturing, who guided her through her level 3 course.

IFSJ comment

International Women in Engineering Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve gender equality in engineering fields.

The London Fire Brigade’s initiatives showcase the importance of creating inclusive environments where women can thrive.

By funding qualifications, offering graduate entry programmes, and engaging in STEM outreach, the Brigade is paving the way for future female engineers.

Rebecca Allen’s journey at Kentec further illustrates the supportive culture essential for women in engineering.

Her experiences highlight the significance of mentorship and the positive impact of a collaborative work environment.

Both the London Fire Brigade and Kentec demonstrate that fostering diversity and inclusion within engineering teams not only benefits the individuals involved but also enhances the overall effectiveness and innovation within the field.