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Business News Wales
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business News Wales
Breaking Barriers in Motorsport Engineering
Motorsport has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I feel incredibly fortunate that it has also become my career. For the past 18 years, I've had the pleasure of lecturing in Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), and what a journey it has been. During that time, the field has evolved dramatically. We've seen rapid and sometimes groundbreaking technological advances, from significant improvements in simulation techniques to the development of hybrid powertrains. The role of an engineer has expanded and diversified and it's an incredibly exciting time to be part of this industry. However, one thing that hasn't changed enough is the number of women pursuing careers in motorsport engineering. Over the years, I've seen some incredibly talented young women enrol on our courses, graduate, and go on to have fulfilling careers. But until recently their numbers have been small, about 5 per cent compared to the men. For many years, I was the only woman in our motorsport department. I'm happy to say there are now two of us, but the wider industry still has work to do. This enduring imbalance raises an important question: why does the stereotype persist, and what can we do to change it? The old image of engineers covered in grease and wearing overalls is largely outdated. Today, engineering roles are diverse—some still involve hands-on work, which appeals to many, but others focus on software, data analysis, and simulation. You can thrive in this industry and still wear heels and have great nails if you want to! Motorsport is global, offering opportunities to travel, build international careers, and work with world-leading teams. It's an exciting, dynamic field with excellent pay, strong maternity benefits, and a real sense of camaraderie. You don't even have to be a 'petrol head' to succeed, although an aptitude for maths certainly helps! I was lucky. I grew up with a rally-mad father who was delighted when I chose motorsport, and an independent, feminist mother who constantly reminded me that 'women can do anything.' Add to that a few brilliant maths teachers at Llangatwg Comprehensive and St John Baptist School, and I had the support I needed to achieve my A-levels and secure a place at university. Since my school days, the curriculum has shifted to emphasise STEM subjects, helping to address the national skills shortage. But we can do more to support girls early on, encouraging them to stick with maths and science and helping them see engineering as an accessible and exciting career. Fantastic initiatives like F1 in Schools and Green Power are inspiring young people to dream big. Here at UWTSD, we're proud to support Girls on Track, Motorsport UK's programme that introduces school-aged girls to the diverse world of motorsport, from pit stop challenges to media and presenting roles. Change is happening. Women now make up 10 per cent of the workforce in motorsport and for the first time, we've achieved that same percentage on our motorsport programmes at UWTSD. To celebrate, we're running a series of activities to build a stronger community of female engineers, hoping to create a supportive network that encourages even more girls to consider this fantastic career. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of our BEng Motorsport Engineering Degree Programme, the first of its kind in the world. Thanks to the vision of former lecturer Roger Dowden who started the course and guidance from the Motorsport Industry Association, our graduates have become valuable assets in motorsport and high-performance automotive industries worldwide. Many have gone on to work for prestigious companies like McLaren, Gordon Murray, Bentley, Ford, Arc, and Toyota Gazoo Racing. Our close ties with industry advisors ensure that our course remains relevant, practical, and academically rigorous. This blend of theory and real-world application is our unique strength, and it makes our graduates stand out. I believe we're on the right track. By continuing to challenge stereotypes, build supportive communities, and celebrate the successes of women in motorsport, we can create a future where gender is no barrier to pursuing a thrilling, rewarding engineering career. And to all the young girls out there dreaming big: believe me when I say that you can do anything.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
WRU turmoil deepens as Ospreys and Scarlets remain unsigned
Trailblazing lecturer calls for change in male-dominated industry ABI PENNY, Senior Lecturer in Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), is calling for greater support to encourage more women into motorsport careers. With nearly two decades of teaching and hands-on experience in the field, Abi is determined to inspire the next generation of female engineers and challenge outdated stereotypes. 'Motorsport has been my passion for as long as I can remember,' she said. 'And I feel incredibly fortunate that it's become my career.' Abi has spent the past 18 years teaching Motorsport Engineering at UWTSD and says the industry has transformed during that time. From hybrid powertrains to advanced simulation and data modelling, engineering has become more diverse and dynamic than ever before. But one thing, she says, has remained stubbornly unchanged — the low number of women entering the profession. 'For years, I was the only woman in our motorsport department. Today, there are two of us, and nationally, women now make up around 10 per cent of the motorsport workforce — a small but significant step forward.' According to Abi, breaking the stereotype of the 'grease-covered mechanic' is key to making engineering more appealing and accessible to girls and young women. 'Engineering isn't just about spanners and overalls,' she explains. 'Modern motorsport includes roles in software, simulation, and data analysis. There's space in this industry for people with a wide range of skills and personalities. You can still love fashion, wear heels, and have amazing nails if you want — and still be a great engineer.' Abi credits her own success to the support of her rally-enthusiast father, a strong feminist mother, and inspiring maths teachers at Llangatwg Comprehensive and St John Baptist School. But she knows many young women don't get that same encouragement early on. 'There's been great progress in promoting STEM subjects, but we need to keep going. We need to show girls what's possible — that engineering is an exciting, well-paid, and global career with strong maternity support and genuine camaraderie.' She highlights initiatives such as F1 in Schools, Green Power, and Motorsport UK's Girls on Track programme as examples of what's working. At UWTSD, 10 per cent of current motorsport students are female — a milestone being celebrated with a series of events to foster a stronger community of women in the sector. UWTSD's BEng Motorsport Engineering programme, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, was the first of its kind in the world. Founded by former lecturer Roger Dowden, it has produced graduates who now work for leading names in the industry, including McLaren, Bentley, Ford, Toyota Gazoo Racing and Gordon Murray Automotive. 'Our course blends academic rigour with real-world experience,' Abi said. 'We work closely with industry to ensure our graduates are job-ready and in high demand.' Her message to the next generation is clear: 'You don't have to be a petrolhead to succeed. You just need curiosity, determination, and a belief in yourself. To any girl out there dreaming of motorsport — believe me when I say, you can do anything.'
