Sellafield engineer announced as finalist for prestigious award
Technical engineer Natalie Parker has been shortlisted for the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards 2024.
Natalie is a technical specialist and manager for Operational Technology Group at Sellafield Ltd.
In her role, Natalie offers technical advice to frontline engineering teams, provides project support and enhances facility operations by establishing an off-site space for engineers to share problems, develop innovative ideas and learn from each other’s experiences.
Natalie is also committed to advocating a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, and organises workshops at various primary schools, engaging students with entertaining and interactive activities by introducing them to electrical circuits and programming.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) highlight some of the exceptional talent and role models in the engineering sector such as Natalie who is passionate about encouraging young people, especially girls, to consider careers in engineering.
With only 16% of engineering professionals being female, addressing this gender imbalance is a high priority for the IET.
Natalie said:
I am honoured to even be considered as a finalist. The passion and enjoyment I get from promoting a career in STEM to the future generation and helping to break down barriers as a woman gives me constant motivation.
The IET’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards are a great platform to help promote all the amazing work carried out by engineers and highlight female role models in the engineering and technology fields.
I am often asked what success looks like for equality and diversity in the industry and my answer is always that we will no longer need ED&I groups.
The IET’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards 2024 will be held on 9 December 2024.