Inspirational young engineer blazes a trail for women

Attracting more women into engineering is the mission for a Black Country electrical engineer that has won a clutch of awards in the early part of her career.

Sophie Young, who works for PP Control & Automation in the West Midlands, is hoping that her own personal journey can act as an inspiration for hundreds of young girls and women looking to carve out a role in manufacturing.

The 19-year-old has already secured a major title at the Ladder for the Black Country Awards and recently added to this by being named as one of the Top 100 Manufacturing Professionals in the UK at a high-profile event at the NEC.

She particularly impressed judges with the way she delivered a £1m+ new product introduction process that has seen her work with the NPI team to eliminate faults and develop a product that now takes less than one hour to build and is being ramped up to 400 units this year.

Ms Young was also recognised for her ambassadorial role, which sees her take part in live panel discussions, part of the Manufacturing Assembly Network’s MANifesto, a digital campaign organised by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology and numerous school talks.

“I’ve always been interested in STEM subjects so going into engineering seemed a natural decision and I’ve not looked back,” explained Ms Young, who is on apprenticeship pathway that will see her attain qualifications from a HNC through to a degree.

“PP Control & Automation has given me the opportunity to demonstrate what I’m learning on real live projects that involve machines and technology that is changing the way we all live.

“The things I’m doing and experiencing are way beyond what I would get from a textbook and my message to other young women considering what to do for a job is give engineering a chance.”

Ms Young has also been shortlisted for the Rising Star at the Engineering & Manufacturing Awards in London.

PP Control & Automation, offers strategic manufacturing outsourcing services to 20 of the world’s largest machine builders and employs more than 150 women across its 230-strong workforce.

Developing people is a key priority for the Cheslyn Hay-based business, who give every member of staff access to 200 hours of development opportunities and training every year.

Malcom Condon, HR people partner at PP C&A, added: “Sophie has set an inspiring example for aspiring engineers and women in engineering. The whole team would like to congratulate her on these well-deserved accolades and eagerly anticipate the continued impact she will make in her career.”

To watch a Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology video about MS Young visit: https://youtu.be/yaREn80Nj8A

PP Control & Automation

www.ppcanda.com