Meet a Woman Engineer - Pamela Hardie

Name: Pamela Hardie
Job Title: Key Account Portfolio Director
Location: Based in Edinburgh covering the UK

When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?

Once I had successfully achieved my apprenticeship, I knew I wanted to remain in the industry and have a successful career in engineering. I felt because I had come so far, I owed to myself to continue.  
 
What does an average day look like for you?

Currently I am office/home based with occasional site visits and spending days with engineers. When I was a mobile engineer, we serviced commercial properties across the central belt of Scotland. Attending sites for planned preventive maintenance or reactive breakdown jobs.  I worked across multiple trades so could be maintaining, repairing, or installing AC or gas systems to more glamorous work of unblocking toilets. I enjoyed the interaction with the customers and surprising them when a female engineer arrived on site.
 
How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?

I knew I wanted to become an apprentice and not attend university however I fell into engineering as my brother had started an apprenticeship the year before, so I followed in his footsteps with encouragement from my father.

I achieved SVQ Level 1, 2 & 3 Heating & Ventilation in Service & Maintenance qualification from North Glasgow College. My company also paid for my driving lessons and test which I successfully passed first time and allocated me my first vehicle which was an Astra van.
 
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?

I faced many challenges as the only woman on the tools in my company and on my college course. It was harder for me to fit in with the younger men I was attending college with and there were many times I had to share facilities such as changing rooms as they weren’t equipped for women. I also had to deal with being written off daily by the men I worked alongside and customers which isn’t easy at 17. As the saying goes, I had to work twice as hard as a man to be seen as half as good as one. I felt different and felt on some occasions I was treated differently certainly until they got to know me better and found out I was more than capable which I was determined to show everyone!
 
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?

Go for it! The career opportunities and earning potential in this industry is massive and it doesn’t just stop at becoming an engineer. Do not doubt yourself or hold yourself back because of your gender because in reality this isn’t a factor in becoming a great engineer, manager or director. Let your work do the talking. I believe attitudes are now changing towards women in engineering and it is far more accepted and accessible than when I started. My granny laughed at me when I told her I was an engineer, I don’t think she believed me, although we still have work to do to promote this career for young women, I believe societal views are shifting.
 
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?

I really enjoyed being an apprentice and working alongside many great men who have become lifelong friends and allies.