WSP was a proud sponsor of the annual IET Women in Engineering conference that saw WSP UK Head of Industry and CSR Claire Gott MBE deliver an inspiring keynote address.
Passionate about building diversity in engineering and construction
As a member of WSP UK's Executive Leadership Team, Claire is responsible for the strategic direction, technical expertise and the operational performance of the Industry Discipline.
Claire's role is to promote, develop and embed a strong culture around a technically excellent delivery model, with a strong focus on client care. She leads a 100 strong team in their work across the pharmaceuticals, life sciences, biotech, gas networks, hydrogen and CCUS, chemicals, food and beverage sectors.
Throughout her career, Claire has worked on high profile projects including the High Speed 2 stations at Birmingham Curzon Street and Euston, the £790m London Bridge Station redevelopment project and the Paddington Cube.
Claire feels strongly about building diversity in the engineering and construction industries and represents the next generation as a board member of the Major Projects Association, and is passionate about making positive sustainable change.
Empowering participants to make a difference in engineering
The IET's event focused on empowering others to be change makers in the engineering world. Aimed at students studying an engineering related degree, or those who have just finished and looking for career advice, the event called on participants to help bring gender balance and draw on the event for inspiration and learning.
Sharing insights from her career journey
Alongside further women leaders, Claire shared her career journey and offered insights to empower participants to follow their career aspirations and make a real difference in equalising the gender balance in a typically male-dominated industry.
Claire explained how her career started as a university student, where a passion for humanitarian aid and making a positive impact led her to the engineering industry. And it was WSP's similar values that initially attracted her to the company.
Tackling today's global challenges
During her address, Claire also detailed the varied role of an engineer. "As engineers, we are responsible for transforming exciting science discoveries into reality by delivering rapid design and building solutions that are both cost effective but also provide environmentally-friendly processes," she explained.
"Engineers are responsible for tackling many of today's global challenges," she said, while emphasizing the need for engineers to be "flexible", "ready for the future", and able to accomodate new technology into their projects.
Bringing innovative ideas to the industry
Claire also shared why it is such an exciting time to be an engineer at WSP, among other companies, through taking on the net zero challenge to help make the world a better place.
Clare highlighted that WSP is looking for fresh talent to bring innovative ideas and create their legacy at the company and in the wider industry.
WSP seeks out talented women to help create a legacy
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.