WiN Cumbria hosts successful ‘Break the Bias in Nuclear’ event

WiN Cumbria celebrated IWD 2022 by holding their first face to face event since 2019 on Tuesday 8^th March at the National College for Nuclear in Workington in association with WiN Charter signatories Nuclear Transport Solutions, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and the National College for Nuclear. Attendees in various roles from across different companies networked whilst enjoying treats, laid on by the catering students from the college, then they listened to inspiring speakers from our sector.

The panel event was expertly facilitated by Andrew Dodds, from “All together Cumbria”, who emphasised the opportunities for career development in the many companies based in the county. The panel included:

Lauren Gorge, a local girl, who recently started on her career path with a cyber security apprenticeship, working for Nuclear Transport Solutions

Ursula Jordan, from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, speaking about her journey from racing driver to Communications Manager

Alison Willetts, from Lakes College, who shared her colourful journey from MFI kitchen designer to Curriculum Operations Leader.

“It was so lovely to meet other WiN members in person and have the ability to network. The presentations provided by Ursula, Andrew, Alison and Lauren were very inspiring and encompassed how diverse the nuclear industry is and can be! Key takeaway theme for me was “Be Yourself”. I feel we often believe we have to change ourselves to be successful or inspiring but forget that it’s our uniqueness which inspires others, so dare to be different” Megan Watson, Nuclear Waste services.

‘Presenting at the National College for Nuclear for the WiN Cumbria event to celebrate International Women’s Day was a great opportunity for me to meet some very inspiring people from around the Nuclear businesses. It was a privilege for me to be on the panel alongside some very inspirational women. Hearing other stories about career journeys was very interesting and this generated a very thought provoking discussion for us on the panel and the audience during the presentation’. Lauren Gorge, Nuclear Transport Solutions

“Hats off to the WiN Cumbria team for another inspiring event at the fabulous National College for Nuclear at Lilyhall. Andrew set the context for the evening by outlining that Cumbria has more to offer than just beautiful scenery: 20,000 vacancies and only 9,000 registered job-seekers. Lauren, Ursula and Alison followed this by shared fascinating stories that illustrated the opportunities for those starting out in        their career as well as those thinking of moving from another sector to nuclear. Clearly there’s no wrong career path for those who are willing to explore opportunities. A really thought-provoking evening. Thank you.” Sophie Lowley, Nuclear Waste Services

The event also celebrated Sheena Taylor, from Nuclear Transport Solutions, as she stepped down as WiN Cumbria Chair, handing over the reins to Claire Morfoot, from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure. Huge thanks go to Sheena for all of her work to engage across the industry and steer the WiN Cumbria team from strength to strength during difficult times of remote-working. Sheena was one of the founding members of the WiN Cumbria branch which was created in 2017 (launched in 2018) and she is the final original member to step down from the committee.

“I am stepping down as the Chair of WiN Cumbria at the end of March.  This is the right time for me to move on and I am confident that Claire will lead WiN Cumbria on its continuing journey.

I would like to thank NTS and everyone who has supported me in taking up this opportunity.  I have had some fantastic experiences and worked with amazing people along the way.  It is always a humbling experience to work with your own inspirational role models.  I will take away lots of fond memories, friends for life and a few dodgy photos.

I remain very excited about the future of WiN Cumbria with plans already in place for future events, mentoring and training programmes.  I look forward to continuing to supporting the team from the side-lines.” Sheena Taylor

 

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