International Women in Engineering Day at Dales Marine #INWED

Leading by Example: Amy’s Path in Engineering

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day at Dales Marine

Every year on June 23rd, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) a global awareness campaign that recognises the amazing work of female engineers around the world and promotes greater gender diversity within the engineering sector.

Organised by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), #INWED not only highlights the achievements of women in the profession but also serves as a platform to encourage young women to consider engineering as a rewarding and impactful career.

At Dales Marine, we’re proud to champion the women making change in our industry. This year, we’re excited to share the story of one of our own, Amy, a brilliant apprentice engineer whose dedication, skill, and resilience exemplify the spirit of this day.

Meet Amy: Carving Her Path in Marine Engineering

Amy has been part of the Dales Marine team for nearly two years, working hands-on in ship repair while completing her apprenticeship. Her journey is a powerful example of how passion, hard work, and the right support can help overcome barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

From Family Garage to Shipyard

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed fixing things and building with my dad,” Amy says. “That hands-on experience really shaped my love for problem-solving. When I saw the opportunity to do an apprenticeship at Dales, I knew it was the right path.”

Working on marine engines and large-scale ship repairs gave her a chance to take that early interest to a whole new level and she hasn’t looked back since.

Facing Stereotypes and Smashing Them

Engineering hasn’t always been welcoming to women, and Amy’s experienced her share of doubts from others. “Once, a colleague said there was no way I’d loosen a valve he couldn’t budge. I did it in seconds. He was shocked and said, ‘You’re stronger than you look.’”

Experiences like that have only made her more confident. “When I started, I was shy, but now I take on complex jobs like valve repairs on my own. That’s been a huge confidence boost.”

Engineering: The Messy but Rewarding Reality

Amy is refreshingly honest about the day-to-day reality of marine engineering. “Sometimes the job is physically intense, and I come home absolutely filthy. But I love it. That’s how I know I’ve done something real.”

Balancing on-the-job training with college studies is demanding, but she finds it deeply fulfilling. “Some days are tough, but the work teaches you valuable skills, and you gain the trust to take on real responsibility. It’s worth every bit of effort.”

Looking Forward and Lifting Others Up

Amy sees a bright future ahead. “In five years, I want to be fully qualified at Dales and continue developing my skills. But I also want to encourage more women to enter the industry. We need more diverse voices and perspectives.”

She’s particularly excited by how engineering continues to evolve. “There’s always something new technologies, tools, ideas. It’s what keeps things fresh and interesting.”

Advice for Aspiring Engineers

Her advice to young women considering engineering? “Go for it.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding, even when it’s challenging. You grow so much, personally and professionally. You learn what you're capable of and it’s more than you think.”

Amy also highlights the importance of mindset. “You need to stay strong and focused, especially in environments that test you. But the payoff is real.”

What Companies Can Do

Amy believes companies like Dales have an important role to play. “We need to make sure young women see the opportunities that exist in engineering. Show them what’s possible and support them once they’re in the door. That’s how we build a more inclusive industry.”

Celebrating Amy and the Future of Women in Engineering

As we mark International Women in Engineering Day, we’re proud to celebrate engineers like Amy who are not only mastering their craft but also paving the way for future generations. Her story is one of inspiration, resilience, and a deep love for the work she does.

At Dales Marine, we’re committed to creating a workplace where engineers of all backgrounds and identities can thrive and where stories like Amy’s are just the beginning.