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Women in Leadership Profiles
Name: Tracey Shelley
Role: Chief Executive
Company: BCECA – a UK-based trade association that represents the principal engineering contracting companies involved in engineering design, procurement, project management and construction of energy and process plants facilities around the world.
A bit about Tracey: My career began as a mechanical engineering apprentice in the avionics industry, after which I worked as a project engineer developing and testing night vision military equipment. I then progressed to Analytical Engineer within the mechanical design team and was responsible for structural, stress and thermal analysis, as well as safety-of-flight testing of avionic equipment. During this time, I began part-time lecturing within the engineering department of Mid Kent College. I discovered a passion for teaching so re-qualified as a lecturer and moved into this profession full time, teaching and leading a range of engineering subjects across national and higher national level full time and part time courses. After 7 years’ lecturing, I moved into the engineering professional body world, holding a variety of roles focussed on education, training and professional development of engineers and progressing to Chief Executive level.
What is it like working in your company? My current role is flexible and very varied. I work with my member companies across a range of committees and activities to engage with industry, lead, shape and drive discussion, tackle industry issues and support the skills pipeline.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? Whilst in Year 8 at school, I participated in an engineering design competition which motivated me to puruse a career in engineering.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? During my apprenticeship, I studied a national and higher national certificate in mechanical engineering. I then continued my part-time study whilst working to achieve a Diploma in Engineering Management, a BA(Hons) Degree in Education Management and then an MBA. The MBA has been invaluable in managing businesses and people. I also achieved Incorporated Engineer status which has been very important to demonstrate my engineering credentials throughout my career.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? I enjoy the interaction with all the member company representatives and the opportunity to help shape the future of the industry and its workforce.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? For much of my working life, I have been the only female in the team. This has sometimes been difficult and challenging, particularly in terms of attitudinal obstacles, but I have learned to deal with them in order to progress.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? The engineering profession is vast and offers many wide and varied opportunities in every industry sector. It is not the dirty, low level profession that many people imagine. It is about the application of scientific principles to design and develop solutions to everyday issues and problems. As women, comprise 50% of the population, it is essential that they are involved in identifying and determining these solutions to make the world a better place now and in the future.
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path?
Engineering can offer an exciting and rewarding career with many different routes in and opportunities to progress. If you are interested in STEM subjects, problem solving, the environment and sustainability, then the engineering profession could be what you are looking for. More info can be found at: www.engineeringuk.com
