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Empowering women in engineering: A closer look at the women-only machine training initiative

(From left) Abby Di Laudo, a fourth-year civil engineering and business student, operates a vertical milling machine as Madeleine Macdonald, a third-year civil and environmental engineering student, Amelia Jiang, a fourth-year mechatronics and business student and Rakhee Patel, a fourth-year mechanical engineering and business student, look on. (Jacob Arts/ Western Engineering photo)

In a move towards equity and inclusion, the Faculty of Engineering at Western University has launched a women-only option for its Advanced Machine Shop Training course. This initiative was developed with the feedback of women students who had attended workshops, citing feelings of marginalization and the need for a more supportive learning environment.

"The Advanced Machine Shop Training course was conceived to bridge a critical gap in our students' technical skills, particularly in fabrication using the mill and lathe,” says Stephanie Tigert, Acting Director of Experiential Learning & Student Support for the Faculty of Engineering.

“While academically proficient, some students still need the hands-on training necessary for real-world applications, leading to the creation of this course. When gauging interest, the women in engineering group of students expressed a clear desire for a section just for women."

Tigert emphasizes the importance of creating a dedicated space for women, highlighting the challenges they face in historically male-dominated fields. "Women in these spaces often experience subtle or overt messaging that they don't belong. Having an option specifically for women allows them to engage authentically, free from feelings of marginalization, and fosters a strong sense of community among peers."

The initiative aligns closely with the Western Engineering’s goals, as Tigert notes, "Our mission is to foster inclusivity and belonging, while empowering women to thrive in these spaces. While our women enrollment has increased, we aim for 30 per cent by 2030. The sessions for women contribute to creating an environment where these students feel included and have the opportunity to learn and grow."

“These students are allowed and encouraged to attend the mixed sessions as well, but if some students have a preference to learn in an environment where they're only with other women, we've provided that opportunity to them,” she added.

Rakhee Patel, a fourth-year mechanical engineering and business student at Western University and a vocal advocate for the workshop, has noticed double standards faced by women in engineering. "Some students often feel the need to prove their skills, while men may enter roles with no experience. The Women in Engineering Advanced Shop Training aims to break down barriers, providing a safe space where women can learn, make mistakes and build confidence without judgment."

Patel emphasizes the positive impact of the workshop on women’s confidence and professional development. "The workshop allows students to gain certifications and hands-on experience, enhancing their resumes for technical roles, co-ops and internships. It creates an encouraging environment where they can tackle complex tasks, boosting their self-esteem and capabilities."

Anthony Straatman, professor and chair of the department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, is one of the architects of the Advanced Machine Shop Training course. "Students engage in intensive training, building a hammer using milling machines, lathes, and welders. The sessions for women aim to address the hesitations of students in mixed workshops, ensuring they receive the same level of training and confidence as their male counterparts."

"The students are really enjoying it," Straatman adds. "This feedback propels us to develop even more advanced modules in milling, turning and welding, giving students even more opportunities to hone their hands-on skills and to better understand the capabilities of different machining and welding operations."

As the program gains momentum, Patel has already seen the workshop's impact on the perception of women students within the engineering community. "Many women in engineering said that they appreciated that they could add certifications to their resume, talk about having the experience, and say, 'Yes, I have used milling machines, I have used the lathe.' These professionally look good, especially for securing technical roles, co-ops and internships."

“I had not taken any shop classes before entering university, and my unfamiliarity made me feel insecure in machine shop settings,” says Abby Di Laudo, a fourth-year civil engineering and business student.

“Having this opportunity was important because these technical skills, along with confidence in a machine shop environment, are often barriers to entry for other opportunities in engineering. This workshop helps to open the door for heavier involvement of women in Western Engineering Mega-Project design teams, which provides incredible hands-on experience. By creating a space where women can build skills and confidence, there is a ripple effect on the diversity of many other spaces at Western.”

Reflecting on the importance of the women-only workshop, Patel notes that it addresses a critical need for a safe learning environment. "On the feedback form, we asked, 'Would you have taken this training if it was not female-only?' Some people said yes, but the majority said, 'I'm not sure or no because it wouldn't have felt safe.' This encouraging environment is essential, creating a space where women feel empowered, capable, and free from judgment."

Looking to the future, Straatman envisions expanding the course to the entire faculty and increasing the scale to accommodate growing student interest. "Our plan is to quadruple the size of the advanced machining area, offering more students access to hands-on training. Modules just for women will continue to be offered to instill confidence in these students as they work alongside men with equal proficiency."