Endurance Doors has demonstrated its commitment to nurturing future talent by supporting the WiME Raising Aspirations Programme in partnership with Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) and The Vale Academy.
The initiative is designed to encourage more young women to consider careers in STEM, showcase the breadth of opportunities available within modern manufacturing and engineering, and provide practical insight into modern industry, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers. Confidence building is another key aim of the programme.
The programme reflects Endurance Doors’ wider focus on investing in local communities, developing the workforce of tomorrow and helping to promote greater diversity across the manufacturing sector.
Students were inspired by female industry professionals, including Endurance team members, Emma Sloan and Jessie Meakin who led a series of workshops designed to help participants identify their strengths, develop confidence and think about their future ambitions.
Other speakers included Sarah Cook from Wood and Lisa Carter from Munich Re who shared their own career journeys and experiences and highlighted the value of determination, resilience and self-belief.
The second phase of the programme included a visit to the Endurance® Doors manufacturing facility where students were given a guided tour of the extrusion department by Ryan Clarkson.
The visit offered valuable first-hand insight into a modern manufacturing environment, allowing students to observe production processes, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse range of roles available across the sector, including engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, logistics and business functions.
Russell Hensman, brand engagement manager at Endurance Doors, said: “As one of the UK’s leading composite door manufacturers, we are passionate about supporting the next generation and helping young people understand the exciting opportunities available within modern manufacturing and engineering. Programmes such as WiME play a vital role in raising aspirations, building confidence and challenging perceptions about careers in STEM and we are proud to champion and be a part of the initiative.
“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and engagement from the students throughout the programme. By opening our doors and sharing real-world experiences, we hope we have helped inspire some of the future talent that our industry will rely on for years to come.”
Manufacturing and engineering continue to face a significant gender imbalance, with women remaining underrepresented across many technical and leadership roles. Initiatives such as the WiME Raising Aspirations Programme help address this challenge by increasing awareness of career opportunities and encouraging more young women to consider STEM-related pathways.
By supporting programmes such as WiME, Endurance® Doors is helping to invest in future skills and local talent development, strengthening links with local education providers, and contributing towards building a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future.
