Video: Inspiring Inclusion on International Women's Day

Today we’re celebrating International Women’s Day and also reflecting on the end of National Careers Week.

These two significant events in our calendar go hand in hand for Curtins - women are still underrepresented in our industry, and we are committed to inspiring the next generation to think about a career in engineering.

The theme of International Women’s Day ‘Inspire Inclusion’ calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create environments where all women are valued and respected.

Through our STEM work, we are ensuring we inspire inclusion by working closely with schools and colleges across the UK and Ireland to educate and encourage young people to explore the world of engineering – often thinking of innovative ways in which we can do this.

Last year, our Leeds office opened the doors to Our Place – a unique photography exhibition curated in celebration of the arts, engineering, Leeds 2023 Year of Culture and STEM careers. The exhibition aimed to platform engineering and construction in an accessible and entertaining way, whilst partnering with local suppliers, artists and schools to bring the exhibition together.

We welcomed year 8 and 9 students from a local high school to enjoy interactive STEM activities that explored civil and structural engineering, transport planning and environmental engineering, whilst also experiencing the cultural richness of an art exhibition.

After the session, 93% of students said they were more likely to consider a career in construction and engineering, which just shows the impact our STEM activities have on the younger generation and the influence we hold to help create a more inclusive engineering industry in the future.

We continue to prioritise providing the greatest levels of personal and professional support to women in our business, whilst reaching out to provide opportunities and remove barriers in our communities. Together we will break down barriers and build a better future for our people and the communities we serve.