Jobs For The Girls: Celebrating Excellence In Engineering

Helen Doughty, Weld Supermarket Picker, Terex Construction

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To coincide with National Women in Engineering Day, companies across the UK are celebrating their female team members and encouraging greater diversity on the shop floor.

Global equipment solutions provider, Terex, is committed to increasing the number of women in its workforce, running a number of initiatives to inspire the next generation. One team member aiming to make her mark is Helen Doughty, a weld supermarket picker at the Terex Construction production facility in Coventry. Here, Helen tells her story.

Working in construction, its #NotJustForBoys

“In May 2014, I made the decision to quit my previous role as a warehouse forklift operator and apply for a job at Terex Construction. My husband had worked at the company for a number of years and told me about a recruitment day taking place specifically for women.

“It sounded like a great idea but, in such a male-dominated sector, I was sure it would be just me who attended. To my surprise, more than 10 women visited the production facility and we learnt more about what a role in the Terex family would be like.

“A few days later, I received a phone call offering me a job on the factory floor. In total, six of the recruitment day attendees had been asked to join. This meant starting with a group of ladies I already knew, which was really quite exciting.

“The job I was given suits me down to the ground. I play an instrumental role in the production of Terex compact construction equipment – working on the shop floor as a picker for the weld supermarket.

“Every day, my key responsibility is to select and deliver hundreds of different parts to the production lines, ensuring that the machine fabricators have the correct components to hand to build whichever model they’re working on.

“It’s a tricky job, as there are thousands of different parts for the extensive portfolio of equipment manufactured at Terex Coventry, but it’s something I really enjoy doing. The support and camaraderie of the team is hugely motivating and there’s a really positive buzz across the production lines.

“It’s really motivating to work as part of an energetic company where everyone is committed to doing a great job and takes such pride in their work. I’m proud to be part of the Terex family – it’s a great place to work.

“Since starting at the Coventry facility last year, I’ve never felt out of my depth or under pressure. One thing I’ve come to realise is that your gender doesn’t matter in construction - there are very few things that a woman can’t do and there shouldn’t be a reason for the industry to be male-dominated.

“My advice to other women considering a job in the sector is to push your worries aside. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like a challenge, it’s an excellent opportunity to do something ‘hands-on’. Early in my career I worked as a PA. It was never right for me and I’m glad I made the decision to switch to a role in construction instead.

“At Terex, I was made to feel right at home from day one. The people I work with are excellent and the support from senior management is second to none. My dream job, of course, is to be a site dumper tester, but for now I’m really enjoying the challenges and opportunities associated with the production line.”