Entering the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) can be intimidating, especially for women who are often underrepresented in these fields. But as the world is evolving, more women are stepping into roles that once felt out of reach. We’re exploring the journey of four Women of Ampcontrol who hope to inspire others to follow their own STEM paths and offer advice for other women interested in pursuing careers in these industries.
Growing up on a small farm, Liz Higson, Ampcontrol Apprentice Electrician, always enjoyed tinkering with things and discovering how they worked. Her curiosity developed into a passion for how everything works and the science and maths behind that. Beginning her career in admin, Liz moved into a project management role before becoming interested in the electrical industry. Keen to learn the technical side of the industry paired with great support from management and her colleagues, Liz felt an apprenticeship was the perfect next step.
Liz emphasises the importance of taking the leap and grasping at the opportunities that arise.
“Surround yourself with people who support you and challenge you to grow. Don't be afraid to take up space and be yourself and never let fear hold you back from learning - there's no such thing as a stupid question.”
For Annabelle Cameron, Ampcontrol Control Systems Engineer, her love of STEM began when she would help her dad with handyman jobs around the house. Wanting to learn more practical skills, Annabelle started helping her dad with plumbing, building and general jobs in and around their home.
As a teenager, Annabelle fell in love with science, and found she loved learning more about how things worked. After watching family study engineering, she noticed that within the industry, people were constantly learning and had a culture of mateship and teamwork. Annabelle studied Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Newcastle, after completing a year of Applied Science with RMIT. Engineering quickly became her passion; she loves that she can understand and break down a problem and build something from nothing.
Annabelle encourages women to bring their unique skills into STEM:
“As a female, you have attention to detail, communication skills, and emotional intelligence that are assets in this field. If you like problem solving and working with people, don't see health as your only option to challenge yourself. It can be hard being a woman in a male dominated industry, but there will be women and men in leadership who will look out for you, if you are the first, be the change you want to see in your workplace.”
Loving challenging herself and always being curious about how things work, Taylah Osmond, Ampcontrol Trainee Electrical Engineer, was unsure of what to do after graduating high school. With the encouragement of her stepdad, she started an electrical apprenticeship, aiming to gain skills while completing a trade that opens up to a range of different avenues. Completing her apprenticeship in 2022, Taylah was given the opportunity to move into an Electrical Engineering Traineeship, where she will finish with an Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
Taylah’s advice to women entering STEM is “Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from pursuing a career in the industry. Don’t put pressure on yourself to need to be the best engineer, technician or mathematician in the room. Do your best, ask questions, learn from the people around you and don’t worry about looking silly if you don’t understand something the first time around.”
Having a fascination of figuring out how things work from a young age, Tiana Leck, Ampcontrol Research & Design Engineer, found her love for STEM after pulling apart an old boat motor and putting it back together with her dad at 10 years old. She still remembers the sense of satisfaction she felt when it turned on again for the first time in years.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiana, as a young medical engineer found it interesting how Ampcontrol developed lifesaving equipment for COVID-19 patients and wanted to be involved. After sending an email to the Learning & Development Team asking for more information, Tiana quickly found herself doing a tour of the workshops, meeting the head engineers and being offered a job.
For women interested in STEM, Tiana’s advice is to follow your interests: “This industry is so large and there are so many different pathways you could take; it can often feel daunting. The right path for you is the one that excites you and makes you want to keep following it to see where it leads! This can be challenging, as you will no doubt face adversity, exclusion and stereotypes, but if you weren't supposed to be there, you wouldn’t have the opportunity.”
Liz, Annabelle, Taylah and Tiana have all taken different paths into the STEM industry, driven by curiosity, support, and a desire to understand and contribute to the world around them. Their stories highlight the importance of perseverance, community, and pursuing passions. For women considering a career in STEM, there is room for you at the table, and your unique skills and perspectives are needed. Don’t hesitate to dive in, ask questions, and create your path in the STEM industry.
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