Engineering in the UK remains a male-dominated field. Women make up just 16.9% of the engineering workforce, and over a course of ten years, career barriers – including stereotyping, isolation, and bias – cause women to leave at twice the rate of men.
At Whitfield Consulting Services (WCS), the story is different. In this first article of our Celebrating women in engineering series, we highlight three talented members of our team, each shaping major national projects and paving the way for the next generation.
Leading the way: Kirsty Glover, Associate Director
Kirsty Glover joined WCS earlier this year and immediately noticed a difference in the company’s culture. “The strong presence of female engineers is a marked contrast to my previous experiences in engineering services,” she says.
Women make up 50% of WCS’s senior leadership team. By contrast, a report by Inclusive Boards (IB), which analysed the diversity of the engineering sector, found that among the top 500 firms by revenue, 209 (41.8%) had no women in either board or executive roles.
“Everyone is treated as equals here, which makes it an inspiring environment to be part of,” Kirsty explains. “It sends a clear message to younger engineers that leadership is achievable.”
Kirsty sees her role as a platform to mentor and support the next generation of engineers. “Having a mentor or career sponsor can make a huge difference,” she reflects. “I was lucky to have guidance early in my career, but I rarely saw female role models in senior positions. Now, I can help change that for the younger generation of female engineers.”
Kirsty’s influence extends beyond the office. With a passion for inspiring the next generation of engineers, she has visited schools and promoted engineering in her previous roles. She brings this passion to WCS and is looking forward to continuing this work, engaging with schools and championing engineering as an exciting, inclusive career path. “By spending time in schools and promoting engineering, young girls will see that it’s an exciting career option for them too,” she adds.
Through her leadership and active involvement in projects, Kirsty helps build a culture that supports growth and opportunity for all engineers – a culture that colleagues like Pyei Pyei Aung carry forward through their own work.
Building impact: Pyei Pyei Aung, Civil/Structural Design Engineer
Pyei Pyei has been instrumental in delivering the design for one of the country’s largest new substations, combining geotechnical and structural design knowledge. “I’m proud to have made valuable contributions to this project. It has strengthened our team’s capabilities and has supported successful outcomes,” she says.
Pyei Pyei finds engineering a rewarding career choice because it combines creativity and analytical thinking to tackle real-world challenges. “Engineering allows for the application of creativity and analytical skills to tackle challenges, making it a rewarding career choice. Embracing this path can lead to significant contributions to society and personal fulfilment.”
She also encourages other women to consider engineering, highlighting the growing focus on inclusion. “I encourage other women to consider a career in engineering. The field offers diverse opportunities for innovation and problem-solving, and a growing emphasis on inclusion means that women’s perspectives are increasingly valued,” Pyei Pyei adds.
Growing through experience: Asmin Ashraf, Graduate Civil Engineer
For Asmin Ashraf, WCS has been a place to develop both technical expertise and confidence. Beginning her career in India on road and infrastructure projects, she transitioned to structural engineering at WCS, taking on diverse projects that stretch her abilities and provide hands-on learning opportunities.
“One of the biggest projects I have worked on is the Eccles CSDA (Civil Structural Design Assurance) project, where I was involved in design assurance. My role was reviewing designs to ensure compliance with standards. It’s rewarding to see the design come to life during site visits as construction progresses. Even as a graduate, I’ve been able to work on a variety of projects, which has strengthened my technical skills and teamwork.”
Asmin encourages young women to take the first step into engineering: “Follow your passion, stay curious, and think differently – it’s inspiring to see your work come to life. Seek guidance and mentorship when needed and never underestimate the value of collaboration.”
“To promote diversity, we need to continue creating supportive environments where women feel confident to share ideas and grow in their careers,” adds Asmin.
Leadership and influence
Beyond individual contributions, WCS invests in initiatives that inspire the next generation of engineers. DrNatalja Petkune, Director, and Celine Mahfoud, Civil/Structural Engineer, lead a range of programmes, including student placements, career fairs, guest lectures, mentorship schemes, and participation in national initiatives such as the Women’s Engineering Society’s Lottie Tour. This work saw WCS shortlisted for the Excellence in Outreach accolade at the Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards 2025.
Structured support, clear pathways for growth, and a culture that encourages ambition and curiosity underpin every aspect of our work. Learn more about how WCS is developing engineering careers from early talent to leadership.
The WCS approach
For female engineers, whether just starting out or looking for their next challenge, WCS offers the opportunity to build a career where your voice is valued, your work makes an impact, and your future is supported.
If you are passionate about civil engineering, then a career at WCS could be for you. Whatever your current level of experience, together we can help you make your mark. Click here for our latest vacancies.
