Today, on International Women in Engineering Day, we interviewed our Recruitment Consultant Kacie Humphries. Kacie specialises in engineering recruitment with a passion for helping women thrive in the industry. In this insightful Q&A, she shares her journey, observations on gender diversity, and strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace.

Can you share your journey into recruitment and how you ended up specialising in engineering?

My recruitment journey started somewhat unexpectedly but it’s been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Initially, I started in the Leisure & Hospitality industry, where I developed skills in account management and business development. After a few years, I decided to try something new and started my recruitment journey in 2011.

I quickly realised that recruitment was where my passion lay. I loved the challenge of matching the right candidate to the right role and seeing how this positively impacted both the individual and the company. The fast-paced environment and the opportunity to interact with a range of diverse professionals was particularly appealing.

After a few years, I decided to specialise further and joined Nicholas Associates, focusing on the engineering, manufacturing and technical sectors. Engineering recruitment presented unique challenges and required a deep understanding of technical skills and industry trends. Three years on, I continue to focus on engineering recruitment, working with a range of companies from start-ups to established enterprises, helping them build strong engineering teams that drive their success.

How have you seen the engineering industry change in terms of gender diversity since you started your career?

Since I started my career in recruitment, I’ve observed significant changes in the engineering industry, particularly regarding gender diversity. In the past, engineering was predominantly male-dominated, with women making up a small fraction of the workforce. However, over the years, there have been noticeable and positive shifts towards greater gender diversity.

A few examples would be:

• Flexible Work Options: Companies offering more remote work options and flexible schedules, can help accommodate the needs of a diverse workforce. This makes engineering careers more accessible to women who may have previously faced barriers due to rigid work structures.
• Awareness and Advocacy: One of the most significant changes has been the growing awareness and advocacy for gender diversity within the engineering industry. Engineering firms and industry leaders have recognised the importance of diverse teams in driving business success. This has led to more efforts to promote gender diversity, including various initiatives and programmes aimed at attracting and retaining women in engineering roles.
• Role Models: The visibility of successful female engineers and leaders has increased, providing important role models for aspiring engineers. Seeing women in prominent engineering positions helps break down stereotypes and demonstrates that gender is not a barrier to success in the industry.

How do you ensure that the recruitment process is inclusive and unbiased?

Ensuring the recruitment process is inclusive and unbiased is crucial for building a diverse and equitable workforce. Creating job descriptions with inclusive language helps attract a broader range of candidates. Avoiding gendered language, jargon, and unnecessary requirements can make job postings more appealing to a diverse audience.

How do you support female candidates throughout the recruitment process and beyond?

Regular feedback and check-ins with female employees help ensure they feel supported and heard. These conversations provide opportunities to address concerns and discuss career goals and development plans. Highlighting and recognising the achievements of female employees is vital to making us feel needed within an industry such as engineering.

What advice would you give young women considering a career in engineering?

For young women considering a career in engineering, my advice would be…

Follow your interests and passion in engineering. Explore different fields within engineering to find what excites you the most, whether it’s civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, or any other speciality.

What are you most proud of in your career regarding helping women in engineering?

By supporting women in engineering, I have contributed to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative industry—not just for now, but helping things change for the future.

How does Nicholas Associates foster a supportive environment for female employees and candidates?

Nicholas Associates promotes flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours, to help balance work and personal commitments. This flexibility is particularly important for supporting work-life balance and retaining female talent.

We celebrate and recognise the achievements of female employees through awards, recognition programmes and highlighting their successes in company communications. This not only acknowledges their contributions, but also sets a positive example for all employees.

What are your personal goals regarding improving gender diversity in engineering?

Short and simple. My goal is to create a more diverse engineering industry where women are represented, supported, and able to thrive. It’s important to recognise and support the improvement in gender diversity within engineering. Not just today, but always!

 

If you’d like to connect with Kacie on LinkedIn, click here.