To mark International Women in Engineering Day, we thought we would shine a light on one of our talented engineers who found herself on a career path that has provided immense fulfillment.
Nikola Lodder started with Aliaxis UK as a Production Operator, becoming a Shift Mentor within a year-and-a-half and later changing career paths to Quality, where she now works as a Quality Engineer.
She believes one of the biggest misconceptions about women in engineering is that they always have to prove themselves, adding: There's this lingering idea that being a woman in a male-dominated field means constantly battling for recognition or proving that you belong. However, the reality is that skills speak for themselves. Like anyone else, you learn, grow, and earn your place through experience, not just by breaking stereotypes.
Sure, there are challenges, and yes, representation still matters, but engineering isn't about gender, it's about problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration. The more we focus on capabilities over labels, the better the industry becomes for everyone.
She has also discovered that sometimes, the best career paths aren't carefully planned, they're built step-by-step through experience and a drive to keep improving.
So let's delve a little deeper into what Nikola thinks about her role, gender parity and why other women should follow in her footsteps.
What does an inclusive workplace mean to you?
For me, it's where everyone feels valued and supported, where different perspectives are welcomed and people have the chance to learn, grow, and contribute. I love working in an environment where collaboration thrives, where people help each other, share knowledge, and find solutions together. Inclusion isn't just about policies; it's about creating a space where everyone feels like they belong.
What do you think needs to happen in order to achieve gender parity within industries like construction, manufacturing and engineering?
Gender parity isn't about meeting quotas, it's about ensuring equal opportunities and creating workplaces where talent thrives. That starts with visibility and encouragement, showing young girls that these careers are for anyone with passion and skill.
Companies need to commit to fair hiring, support and career growth, making sure women can progress without barriers. Workplace culture matters too, when collaboration and diverse perspectives are embraced, inclusivity follows naturally.
Parity isn't just about getting women into these fields, it's about making sure they want to stay, grow and lead.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
If I'm honest, I wasn't inspired' in the traditional sense, it was more of a life situation than a calling. When I moved to the UK, I wasn't feeling confident in my English, and I needed a job that would allow me to build my confidence without language being the primary requirement. Manufacturing fitted that need perfectly as it gave me the space to develop practical skills, gain experience, and gradually grow into the industry.
Over time, I discovered that engineering and manufacturing is about problem-solving, improving efficiency, and making a real impact. So I found motivation along the way - sometimes, careers choose us, rather than the other way around.
How did you arrive at this point in your career?
Over time, I took part in internal and external courses to strengthen both my technical skills and my soft skills, making sure I was always growing and adapting. One of the biggest assets in my development has been the learning platforms provided by Aliaxis. I dedicated a lot of time during my first year as a Quality Engineer to self-development through these tools.
It's been a hands-on journey, driven by curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn from those around me.
What do you enjoy the most about your manufacturing role?
There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing that what we do has a real, tangible impact on people's lives, contributing to solutions that support everyday life. That sense of purpose makes manufacturing a truly fulfilling industry.
What I love most about my role at Aliaxis is the people, plus no two days look the same. I get to dive into different challenges, find solutions, and continually develop. However, a career isn't built alone and I'm grateful for every person who has played a part in mine.
What advice would you give to women or girls who are currently considering a career in engineering?
Just go for it! You don't need all the answers upfront, ask questions, take opportunities, and build confidence as you go. Your ideas matter and the industry needs fresh perspectives.
Find your people and surround yourself with colleagues, mentors and friends who support and encourage you. You'll be surprised how many want to see you succeed. Engineering isn't just about machines and processes, it's about collaboration and continuous growth.
The path might not always be straightforward, but every step you take shapes your future, so take that first one with confidence.