A YOUNG engineer from the North East is proving engineering isn’t a man’s world, after being shortlisted at a prestigious national industry award.
Beatriz Martinez, a 27-year-old design engineer at Sunderland-based engineering firm Expert Tooling and Automation, was named as one of only three young engineers – and the only female – from across the country shortlisted for the British Engineering Excellence Awards (BEEAs), held earlier this month, for ‘Young Engineer of the Year’.
The BEEAs showcase the breadth of the UK’s engineering and innovation capabilities, rewarding businesses and individuals who show innovation in design. Beatriz was shortlisted with young engineers from Orb Electrical Steel and Jaguar Land Rover. Her contribution to Expert Tooling has been great, say bosses, including being involved in the design of bespoke machinery for many major OEM’s and Blue Chip customers globally.
Dave Bartell, operations director at Expert Tooling, which has operations in the Washington and Rainton Bridge areas of the city, said: “The shortlisting recognition for Beatriz is so very well deserved, she has shown a real passion and desire to develop and is a big asset to her team and the business as a whole. I am sure Beatriz has a bright future ahead of her.”
Originally from Northern Spain, Beatriz moved to the UK to follow her passion for engineering, after the difficult economic climate in her native country made it difficult for her to develop in an industrial environment and gain real experience.
Beatriz joined the business 18 months ago from a background in research and development and impressed the team with her enthusiasm as well as her academic ability. She is now completing the four-year expert graduate development programme that sees her experience every department of the business, and set realistic and measurable goals for her own personal development.
Dave Bartell added: “Around 40per cent of our team is made up of staff working through apprenticeships or through graduate programmes, and it’s that talent, young enthusiasm and fresh blood that is helping us to be prepared and ready for the future.
“The engineering skills shortage in the UK is well documented, so it is very refreshing to see young engineers of Beatriz’s ability take such an active and important role in our business.”
Cllr Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said Beatriz is one of many young bright minds helping to put Sunderland and its thriving STEM industries on the map.
He said: “What an outstanding achievement and very well deserved recognition for such a talented young lady.
“Expert Tooling is a fantastic Sunderland business that is really doing its bit to ensure the engineering sector is geared up, skilled and ready for the future. With investment in staff like Beatriz, the city’s reputation as a manufacturing and engineering hub is strengthening every day as we draw in talent and foster their development here.”
Dave added: “Beatriz has made personal sacrifice to relocate to the UK, and with both the cultural and language barriers to overcome, she has shown great dedication to her chosen career path. We’re delighted she has been recognised for her skill, talent and hard work.”
For more information on Expert Tooling and Automation visit www.expert-amt.com.