Arrange a call-back
icon - searchGlobe
Region / Language
Envelope
Contact Us
  • Home
        • About us

          Delivering world class solutions, with world class service
          Discover more
        • Company
          The Hitachi Group in Europe comprises the European operations of Hitachi Group. With 146 legal entities and approximately 20,000 employees. Hitachi in Europe is committed to improving society through the development of technology.
        • News, Views & Insights
          Keep up with everything the Hitachi Information Control Systems team are getting up to. If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, please sign up at the bottom of this page.
        • Working with HICSE
          As a company, we are working to “Inspire the Next” technology or product which – in turn – will improve lives all around the world. If you are someone who wishes to apply your technical and commercial strengths to be part of a cutting edge, socially responsible and global company we would like to hear from you.
        • Bradford on Avon
          Solstice House
          Middleton Drive, Bradford on Avon
          Wiltshire
          BA15 1GB, UK
          +44 (0) 1225 860 140
        • Plymouth
          Building 2, Brooklands
          Budshead Road, Plymouth
          Devon
          PL6 5XR, UK+44 (0) 1225 860 140
        • Derby
          Railway Technical Centre
          Derby
          Derbyshire
          DE24 8UP, UK
Back to news, views & insights

Imagine the Future - INWED 2022

Another story from one of our exceptional women engineers, Penelope Hawksworth. To kick-start this year's International Women in Engineering Day.

Inspiration #2 – Penelope Hawksworth, Test Engineer.

Hitachi are proud to support International Women In Engineering Day #INWED22 this week – celebrating our women engineers this week and every week!

Hitachi believes that diversity is the wellspring of innovation and a powerful growth engine, and we hope to inspire women and girls around the world to consider a career in engineering.

Here are a few insights into the career of one of our amazing engineers - about what it means to be a woman engineer, how they got involved and the benefits and pitfalls!

#INWED22   #ImagineTheFuture

Penny shares her thoughts with us

Why I became an engineer

Plan B when I damaged my knee and couldn’t join the Police.

Q: What do you most enjoy about working in the field of engineering?

It’s the people that make the job but the work is always varied and interesting.

Q: What's the most significant contribution you’ve made as an engineer?

As a Tester I get the chance to improve a product.

Q: What is the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

Be a good team player and always happy to try. 

Q: What advice would you give young people considering a career in engineering?

Engineering is an incredibly broad career that can take you all over the world for work.

Q: How do you think engineering can be made a more appealing career option to young people?

A greater understanding of the variety of work within engineering (it’s not just all about getting your hands dirty) and the opportunities that are available.

Q: What would you say to someone who thinks engineering is a career better suited to men, not women?

I have never experienced this kind of attitude or thinking within the industry.

Q: Have you seen an increase in the number of female engineers during your career? If so/if not, why do you think this is?

I work with more women now than ever before.

Q: Given the number of female engineers in our industry is relatively low, how best do you think these numbers can be increased?

Communication and creating the interest at a young age plus providing role models.

Q: What do you think is the greatest challenge female engineers face in the workplace?

The same as a male engineer.  I’ve never been treated differently.

Q: What three things make you most proud to be a female engineer in HICSE?

The people I work with, the products we have and the innovation such as Trackside Guardian.

Q: Do you have a personal ‘hero’ from the world of female engineering? If so, who and why?

My Dad is a Mechanical Engineer so it will always be him.

Recent articles

HICSE Secures Two Nominations for Inspiration of the Year Global Awards

15/08/2024
For the first time in history, HICSE is proud to announce that it has secured not one, but two nominations for the prestigious Hitachi Group Awards. This year, the nominations spotlight innovative projects from both the IT and Marketing teams. The IT team's nomination centres around the MECM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager) project. MECM, a […]
Read more

Bradford Businesses Bowled Over at Inaugural Summer InterCompany Challenge

07/08/2024
Local businesses in Bradford-on-Avon showcased their sporting prowess in the first-ever Summer InterCompany Challenge held in July. The event, hosted at the Spencer Moulton Bowls Club, saw teams from Hitachi, Ashford Homes, and Team Eleven competing in a series of friendly yet competitive games. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of lawn bowling, followed by darts and […]
Read more

Inspiring the Next Generation!

05/08/2024
In line with our commitment to fostering the next generation, we recently welcomed James Wells for a work placement. James shared his insightful experiences with us, highlighting the mutual benefits of his time at HICSE. During my week of work experience at Hitachi Information Control Systems Europe Ltd in May, I had the opportunity to […]
Read more
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram