A locker manufacturer at a Deeside based company has put a motorbike mechanic’s engineering dream back on track.

Locit, a company that designs and manufactures steel lockers, is on a journey to redress the gender disparity in the industry.

Just last year, a report from Engineering UK revealed a drop in women working in engineering from 16.5 per cent to 15.7 per cent.

The gender disproportion in manufacturing where women hold only 26 per cent of jobs is equally concerning.

At Locit, the picture is a bit brighter, as women constitute 25 per cent of their 45-member strong team.

And the company is actively trying to attract more women into the sector.

Jessy Pauletto has seen her ambition become a reality  (Image: Locit)

In honour of International Women in Engineering Day 2024, Locit has pledged to increase its efforts to tackle gender disparity.

Jessy Pauletto, a production assistant, is a prime example of Locit's initiative.

For the 34-year-old Brazilian, who moved to the UK in 2021, Locit transformed her engineering ambitions into reality.

Ms Pauletto said: "I was always curious about how things worked.

"If a household appliance broke down, I would take it apart, work my way around its mechanism using guides and try to fix it.

"I had a mechanical mindset and loved using my hands."

After moving to the UK, she discovered that her Brazilian qualifications weren’t recognized.

But Locit turned the tide for her, and in less than a year of joining, she got promoted to team leader.

Ms Pauletto added: "Just being in an engineering environment is a buzz.

"It’s where I feel most at home, getting my hands dirty, playing a part in making these fantastic products from scratch.

"While only a few of us women are on the factory floor, the guys are supportive and inclusive.

"Locit has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to work in a modern manufacturing environment, learn more skills, and progress to working on the machinery.

"I feel incredibly lucky."

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Richard Williams, CEO of Locit, said: "In honour of International Women in Engineering Day, we are thrilled to spotlight Jessy’s inspiring journey from Brazil to a dynamic role at Locit, exemplifying the contribution of women to engineering fields worldwide.

"Her story stems from curiosity, resilience, and a passion for machinery, which has guided her career and broken barriers."

Emphasising Locit's commitment he added: "Locit is genuinely dedicated to supporting women in engineering by creating growth opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment.

"Jessy’s journey embodies how the company recognises and nurtures talent, regardless of gender."

Through sustained efforts, Locit aims to level the playing field in these key sectors, and Jessy's success story might just be the inspiration others need.