Jamie has Young Female Engineer of the Year in her sights

Oaklands College are thrilled to announce one of its students is in the running to take the title of IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2017. 

Engineering student Jamie D’Ath has been announced as one of six finalists in this year’s prestigious awards, which celebrate the valuable role females have in today’s industry.

The group of inspirational females aim to challenge outdated gender stereotypes within the engineering industry. 

Jamie recently entered the fourth year of her apprenticeship at Stevenage–based MBDA, a leading defence organisation. Rotating around the business on placements, Jamie has been involved in a wide range of activities from completing complex drawings for parts and assemblies, to analysing procurement statistics and conducting trials.

In addition to highlighting female engineering talent, the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards seek to find female role models who can help address the UK science and engineering skills crisis by promoting engineering careers to more girls and women.

As well as excelling expectations on the job, Jamie has embraced the idea of positively promoting STEM by running a number of STEM-related activities in schools. She also mentors students who attend The John Warner School’s robotics club, helping to develop their CAD and programming skills.

All eyes are now on the upcoming IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards ceremony on 7 December at IET London’s Savoy Place.  

After hearing about her finalist position, Jamie said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award and it’s always nice to receive recognition for my work. My current role has enabled me to gain an insight into the potential a career in engineering can hold and it has ignited an interest in promoting greater gender diversity in STEM. 

“The process has highlighted the opportunities available to women in engineering and I hope it encourages more to consider it as a future career. I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me by the IET and the support shown by both Oaklands College and MBDA, I can’t wait for the awards night!”

Pictured is Jamie at this year’s College Celebration of Success event, for which she received the Higher Education Award. During her HNC in Mechanical Engineering, she was nominated as an exemplary student by department, receiving her award from celebrity guest and TV star Celia Sawyer this Summer.