Free WiME Careers Event For Women and Girls At Hull's Guildhall

Ever feel a bit stuck, wondering what to do next? Maybe the school years are wrapping up, or perhaps the current job just isn't cutting it anymore. It happens. Finding the right career path can feel like a massive puzzle. But what if there was a place to see some really exciting options, especially in fields that are booming right here in Hull? Well, there is. An amazing, free event is heading back to Hull’s stunning Guildhall, and it’s all about showing women and girls the brilliant careers available in manufacturing, engineering, and other hands-on sectors. The Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) event is set to open its doors on Wednesday 8 October, and it's shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity. Organised by WiME, part of Green Port Hull, this isn't just another boring careers fair. It's a chance to properly chat with people who are already doing these jobs, get the lowdown on what it’s really like, and discover a world of opportunities that might not have even been on the radar before. This event is a game-changer for anyone considering their next move.

What's this WiME event all about, then?

Right, so who should pop along to this event? Basically, anyone who fits into the categories below will find something useful. It’s a really welcoming space designed to answer questions and spark some inspiration for future careers. The WiME event is perfect for:

• Women who are thinking about a complete career change from other sectors.
• Mums, or anyone, returning to work after taking a bit of a break.
• Female students in Higher Education who are weighing up their future employment options.
• Girls still at school or college, who can come along with their parents or carers.
• Careers advisors who want the latest info for the students they support.

Think of it as an open house for amazing careers. Around 30 of the Humber’s biggest and best employers will be there, all under one roof. This is a golden chance for women and girls to meet other women already smashing it in manufacturing and engineering. They can find out about live job vacancies, what sort of training or qualifications are needed for certain roles, and get the full story on apprenticeship opportunities. An apprenticeship is a brilliant way to earn money while you learn, getting practical skills on the job. It's a direct route into a fantastic career without the university debt. The whole point of the event is to make these sectors accessible and show the clear paths to success.

Why manufacturing and engineering are brilliant careers for women

Some people might hear 'manufacturing' and picture old, dusty factories. But that couldn't be further from the truth. In the Humber region, manufacturing is a huge deal. It accounts for 17 per cent of all employment, which is almost double the average for England. That means there are loads of jobs right on the doorstep. The local economy really depends on these vibrant sectors. The thing is, even though there’s a massive demand for people with STEM skills – that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths – women are still under-represented in these roles. And that’s a real shame, because these careers offer great pay, loads of vacancies, and fantastic prospects. The different types of roles are incredible, from designing wind turbines to building the next generation of digital tech. These aren't just jobs; they are careers that play a massive part in building the future of our local economy and beyond. Having the right qualifications and skills can open so many doors, and this event is the first step in understanding what's needed.

Let's bust some misconceptions

One of the biggest goals of the WiME event is to smash some old-fashioned ideas about what careers in engineering and manufacturing are like. These jobs are no longer just about physical strength or getting covered in oil. Of course, some roles are very hands-on, which is perfect for people who love practical work. But many modern roles are all about brainpower. They need people who are great at creative problem-solving, can think on their feet, and are brilliant at team working. Does that sound familiar? Today's industry needs innovation – fresh ideas and new ways of doing things. It's about looking at a challenge, whether it's designing a more efficient process or fixing a complex bit of code, and working with a team to find a solution. These are all skills that women excel at. The opportunities are massive, from small local firms to huge international companies, offering all sorts of different roles. Some of these jobs didn't even exist a decade ago, so the education someone had in the past doesn't close any doors to these exciting new careers.

Words from the people behind the event

It’s clear that there’s a real passion for getting more women and girls into these sectors. Cllr Linda Tock, who is the portfolio holder for Hull Training at Hull City Council, knows how important these events are. She said:

“WiME events are critical to ensuring that women and girls can find a career path which suits them. We’ve seen some fantastic success stories on the back of previous WiME events, with women and girls going onto take up key roles in the targeted industries. We look forward to welcoming more women and girls to the WiME event at the Guildhall.”

WiME’s chair, Dr Kirsty Clode, also shared her thoughts on the huge opportunities available:

“Our events are designed to showcase the amazing opportunities in our region and dispel any misconceptions about careers in engineering, manufacturing, digital, construction and renewables. Today, many roles call for innovation, problem-solving, adaptability and team working – all of which women are great at. There is a wealth of roles available for all ages, from small local firms to large multinational companies, some of which may not have existed when some of the women left education. The women at our careers event will be able to provide an insight into being a woman in such roles, routes to take and skills you need to get there which will hopefully inspire visitors to make that switch.”

Fancy it? here are the details

If any of this has sparked some interest, then coming along is a no-brainer. It’s a chance to explore a whole world of possibilities in a friendly, no-pressure environment. The WiME free careers event is taking place at Hull’s Guildhall on Wednesday 8 October, from 3:30pm to 6pm. Anyone interested can find out more information and book a place online. It could be the first step towards an exciting new future.