Today is International Women in Engineering Day, a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the incredible contributions of women in a field that’s building our world. We sat down with Vikki Reeves, our Service Manager at Scott Combustion, to chat about her journey, the evolving landscape of the industry, and why engineering is a brilliant path for women.
Vikki’s story is a powerful example of growth and determination. Starting as an Admin Assistant, she’s climbed the ranks to Service Manager, proving that passion and hard work pay off. “It can be testing at times,” Vikki admits about being a woman in facilities management. “You feel like you are not always taken as seriously as your male counterparts.” But at Scott Combustion, she found a different experience: “I have been lucky with Scott’s, they have seen my potential and rewarded me in my job role.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Better
When Vikki first joined the construction industry, the gender balance was heavily male-dominated. Fast forward to today, and our Scott Combustion office now boasts more women than men! This shift isn’t just about numbers; it’s about perspective. “There are definitely a lot more females making inroads into the industry,” Vikki notes, adding with a smile, “which shows that the work can be carried out just as efficiently (or maybe dare I say it… better) than the male colleagues.”
These aren’t just easy wins. Vikki openly shares that she’s faced challenges, whether it’s proving her knowledge or dealing with engineers. But for her, these moments weren’t roadblocks; they were catalysts. “I feel that has only made me more determined to learn and grow in my position as the Service Manager.”
The Power of Support and Empathy
Support, especially from within, is crucial. Vikki believes in “listening and treating them with respect” when it comes to supporting other women in the industry. She highlights a key difference: “We go through stages in our lives which men will not always be able to sympathise with or support, and it’s good to know that there is a support network that can be called upon when needed.”
At Scott Combustion, Vikki feels this support personally. “The team at Scott’s are very supportive and understanding when it comes to both work and home life,” she shares. “This is a real help to me and makes me feel like I am a valued member of the team. It makes me want to strive to be a better person.”
Why Engineering? It’s for Everyone.
For Vikki, engineering isn’t just a job; it’s fundamental. “This is a crucial industry in life and always will be, it helps us build a better world for the future and is open to anyone, no matter their gender, or skillset.”
And for young women considering a leap into engineering? “This is a great time,” she asserts. It’s not just about the physical side anymore. “Due to the various regulations, and customer demands, the amount of paperwork that is involved with any type of work nowadays can be immense. There is a need for the female touch when it comes to the organisation skills and accuracy that is involved in making this work turn into the physical work.” Our brains are wired differently, and that diversity is our strength in STEM.
Embrace the Journey
Vikki never planned to be a Service Manager for an engineering firm. Her path wound through travel and airport admin, where she cultivated her love for organisation and communication. “My current role at Scott Combustion is no different,” she laughs, “apart from the fact I am dealing with boilers instead of airplanes.” Her immense knowledge comes from 13 years of learning from “great engineers and office staff.”
Her advice to a young woman looking to join Scott Combustion: “Embrace the diversity of the work involved and gain experience from all the different aspects of the role to help you grow both as a person and with the company.” And to any young girl who thinks engineering is “a man’s job”? “That’s nonsense,” Vikki states unequivocally. “You can be whatever you want to be. Work hard, respect others and you take every piece of knowledge and experience from life that you can. It will all come in handy one day, and will definitely help you to become a better person in the future.”
Vikki loves the facilities management industry because “every day is different, which makes it more interesting.” The constant variety of people and challenges makes her job intriguing and helps her grow.
Her hope for the future of women in engineering is clear: “Let’s hope we can continue to allow and encourage women to pursue a career in engineering that would benefit so many different industries, and peoples’ lives.”
