For this International Women in Engineering Day, we’re proud to spotlight Andrea Roberts, our Lead Internal Quality Assurer. Her story reflects what SIAS stands for: challenging outdated traditions, unlocking potential, and powering the next generation of talent.
Thank you taking the time to speak to us on International Women in Engineering Day 2025.
Please could you introduce yourself and provide an overview of your career journey?
Hello, I’m Andrea Roberts, Lead Internal Quality Assurer at SIAS. I’ve been here almost three years now. My background is in electrical and instrumentation engineering, mainly in the petrochemical and industrial sectors. I started as an apprentice and over time moved into mentoring, assessing, and eventually quality assurance. My role at SIAS bridges the gap between the quality team and assessors, ensuring standards stay high while also being practical and fair.
What was your first role in engineering, and how did it shape your career?
I started my apprenticeship at 18 with a company in Manchester, at a time when few women worked in engineering. I was the only female engineer on a site of 2,000 people. That experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of proving yourself through hard work. It gave me a solid technical foundation and shaped my approach to every role since.
Can you share a success story where your engineering insight made a measurable impact?
At SIAS, I helped improve our approach to standardisation and assessment quality. I’ve worked to bring structure and clarity to how assessments are delivered, using my practical experience to support assessors and explain challenges to the quality team. It’s made our approach more aligned, realistic, and effective.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how did you overcome them?
Being the only woman in a male-dominated environment came with its challenges. I had to adapt quickly and prove my capability. At the time, some people didn’t expect a woman to do the job, but I earned respect by working hard, taking on responsibility, and showing I could do the work just as well as anyone else.
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you personally?
It’s a chance to highlight the value women bring to engineering – skills like organisation, logical thinking, and creativity. It’s also about breaking outdated stereotypes and showing young women that engineering is a diverse, exciting field with real opportunities for everyone.
What message would you give to women considering or starting an engineering apprenticeship?
Follow your heart. If engineering is what you want to do, go for it. Focus on your training, stay determined, and don’t let anyone discourage you. There’s now more apprenticeship opportunities for women – work hard, be curious, and focus on doing what you love.
