Cambridgeshire graduate working in manufacturing discusses how company ethos can encourage women in the workforce

The opportunities and platform provided for women at building products manufacturer Forterra – best known for its production of the famous London Brick – has inspired Operations Manager Graduate Laura Watts.

Laura, 24, joined Forterra’s graduate scheme in September 2021 after graduating from Coventry University with a degree in Business Management.

A year’s placement in the automotive industry confirmed to Laura that she wanted to pursue a career in manufacturing.

Laura’s experience of being a woman in a male dominated industry has been a positive one, “The working culture and ethos at Forterra mean gender norms are often challenged – they want everyone on a level playing field at all times.”

As part of her graduate training, Laura is currently working in a senior position at our King’s Dyke brick factory and says that she has never felt out of place in the role, “Forterra encourages diversity and inclusivity and is not shy about recognising that the industry has historically been male-dominated. It is serious about addressing this by making the organisation attractive to women.

“Throughout my induction into the business as I started my graduate scheme, I saw multiple examples of women in senior positions who had earned promotions internally and it inspired me.”

“I feel at home at an organisation that takes this seriously and provides such opportunities to women – telling them that they will do well if they are good enough, in the same way the opportunity is there for men.

“I think this push for diversity is impressive, and I have seen strong and talented women being recruited into the business in the short time I’ve been working here. I can see a clear career path into becoming a Plant Manager, which is my long-term goal. I have seen other women at Forterra who are fulfilling their potential as a result of opportunities available, and I want to achieve the same.”

Laura’s advice to any woman interested in a career in manufacturing, but who might be hesitant to apply: “Take a risk and don’t put yourself off the unknown – try it! Anytime I’ve taken a risk it’s led to new and interesting opportunities, and I hope other women will do the same and find themselves in roles and industries they are passionate about.”

Forterra Chief Executive, Stephen Harrison, says, “As an organisation, we endeavour to stamp out the age-old stereotype that the manufacturing industry is male dominated - we have many women who work out on our sites as well as in office-based roles.

“We have a range of opportunities here and we want to remind women that every one of them is open to them, and if they believe they are capable then they should apply – gender never has been, and never will be, a barrier.

“Both Laura and Nicki are amazing case studies for this year’s International Women’s Day, and set an example for the rest of the industry to follow.”

For more insight into careers at Forterra, visit https: /www.forterra.co.uk/careers/