This year’s International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebrates the theme together we engineer – a powerful reminder of the vital contributions women engineers make every day across the globe.
To explore this theme, we asked two of our female engineers to share reflections about their career journeys so far.
Michelle Gachuhi, a Graduate Electrical Engineer in WesCEF Technical Services, shares her journey so far including what sparked her interest in engineering and what her day to day looks like now.
“My journey has been slightly unconventional given my aim was to be a pilot and engineer.
I moved to Perth at 18 and completed my Aviation degree, three and a half years later in 2020. My intention afterwards was to work through my commercial pilot licence first but covid’s impact on aviation prompted me to fast track my journey into Electrical engineering. I was back in uni for another 4 years and graduated with an Upper Second Class Honours earlier this year.
During my degree, I had the opportunity to join WesCEF’s vacation program and then cadetship, which provided practical backing to the extensive theoretical material we were covering. The programs and the incredible team I work with eased my transition into a full-time graduate role.
Throughout school I was always keen on Maths and Science.
In my third year of high school, we explored electromagnetics and once I experienced the satisfaction that came with successfully troubleshooting circuits and experimenting with motors, I knew this was one of the things I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Working in the power, electronics, and industrial controls labs during my time in uni further solidified the confidence in my decision.
My workday in Technical Services constitutes working on projects initiated by the business units and has so far included performing a study on the Ammonia plant’s high voltage motors, introducing a preventative maintenance procedure for critical spare motors, upgrading the AGR sirens system and participating in design verification for low and medium voltage switchgear.
Occasionally, I also assist in the monitoring and maintenance of sitewide high voltage assets.”
The guidance and support provided by my supervisor, other colleagues and the Early Careers team has been essential for settling into and performing my role effectively.
Adeline Chong, Senior Asset Integrity Engineer in WesCEF Technical Services explains what her experience has been so far, including highlights and challenges.
“I’ve been with CSBP for over 11 years, working across a range of areas including Ammonia/AN operations, fertilisers, business development, and asset integrity. This broad experience has not only deepened my technical knowledge but also given me the opportunity to contribute to different facets of the business.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is working alongside people from diverse disciplines. Each project brings a new challenge whether it’s troubleshooting equipment performance or analysing data for improvement the collaboration that comes from drawing on different skill sets keeps the work dynamic and engaging.
Transitioning between roles has been one of the more complex challenges, particularly as each new position comes with a unique set of expectations and technical requirements. Balancing these changes with part-time work and parenthood has taken adjustment. I’m fortunate that CSBP has supported flexible working arrangements, including 70% FTE and the ability to work from home. This flexibility has made a meaningful difference, allowing me to remain committed to my role while being more present for my family.
The support from mentors and colleagues has also been invaluable. Over time, I’ve learned that understanding your own priorities and being clear on them makes it easier to find balance and move forward with confidence.”
Engineers Australia celebrating Women in Engineering
For INWED this year, General Manager Safey & Engineering Services, Julie Watson and Production Manager SCN Operations, Samuel Christie, will co-sponsor a group of our engineers to attend an Engineers Australia ‘Engineers at the table’ event that celebrates the valuable impact and contribution of women in engineering.
“Additionally, we were offered the opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ so that a high school student or university student currently interested in pursuing a career in engineering, can attend this event as well.
I’m very proud to participate in these events on behalf of WesCEF and show our support for these early career pipelines through this pay-it-forward initiative.” Julie said.
“It’s important that we demonstrate our genuine interest in supporting women in these roles and encouraging more women to enter operational roles.” Samuel said.
Gender equality at WesCEF
WesCEF Organisational Development Lead, Kathleen (Kat) Stewart said WesCEF’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Strategy defines how we will foster a culture of inclusion and belonging that recognises and respects our diverse people as central to our success.
“Recognising and participating in days such as INWED, provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate our support of women in engineering and operational roles, here at WesCEF – from early career talent pipelines through to leadership.
We strive to increase gender diversity across our teams with a minimum of 40 per cent representation of men and women. According to Engineers Australia, women comprised 13% of engineers in 2022, although this is now estimated at 14%, this shows there is a lot of work to do in this space. Currently women’s representation in engineering at WesCEF is around 22%.” Kat said.