Rebecca Bleeze
Rebecca is Principal Structure Engineer at Stantec. Her work focuses on residential, education, historic structures and conservation projects. She has gained valuable experience in project design, supervision and management, successfully delivering projects from the feasibility stage to construction. Rebecca has achieved chartered status with the Institution of Structural Engineers and currently sits on a number of their committees and panels, working to improve young people's awareness and interest in structural engineering. Her passion for structural engineering led her to travel to Guatemala after graduation to help build houses for families who had lost their homes during an earthquake.
Rebecca is currently undertaking the Construction Engineering Masters (CEM) at the University of Cambridge to broaden her horizons and understand more about the industry in order to make a real impact.
What sparked your interest in engineering? Is it the same that inspires today?
I have always been quite a creative person and I really enjoyed drawing, modelling and building dens when I was growing up. I remember looking up at the construction of The Gherkin in London on a trip to my Nan's house in the Easter holidays (and thinking it looked like a giant easter egg) and I knew that I wanted to design something that everyone could appreciate. I set my sights on architecture and carried out three different work experience placements at architectural practices. It wasn't until I had an open day at the University of Sheffield that I discovered a dual honours course for Structural Engineering and Architecture, which played to my strengths in both art and maths. My Uncle Frank, a building surveyor by trade, was a really strong advocator that both creative and practical skills are really important in the industry, and he encouraged me to go for the course. I have never looked back! I still look up buildings and structures today and think, I wonder how that works?
What challenges do women face in the Engineering professions? Do you think there is a stereotype of Women Engineers?
When I tell people I am a chartered structural engineer I often get 'oh wow' but hope that is as a response to it being an impressive job rather than as a reaction to being a woman structural engineer. I do feel the challenge to women in engineering is the feeling that you need to be representative, to set an example and encourage others. Engineering is a huge subject and not all the different opportunities are known to everyone growing up. I had heard of an 'engineer' but though that was to do with cogs and moving parts, I had no idea what a 'structural engineer' was. That is why it is really important to engage with STEAM activities as much as possible.
What is the ratio of females to males in your workplace?
We are approximately 50/50 in the structures team.
What does a typical day in your job involve? What is the most exciting thing about your job?
The great thing about my job is every day is different with new challenges to solve. There is never just one answer and there are several ways of looking at things. I work on lots of different scaled projects from intricate details for listed buildings to new laboratory facilities. The most exciting thing about by job is going to site and seeing your designs being realised.
The great thing about my job is every day is different with new challenges to solve. There is never just one answer, and there are several ways of looking at things.
Rebecca Bleeze
You are currently studying for the Construction Engineering Masters at the University of Cambridge. What inspired you to take this course at this stage of your career?
I was looking for a new challenge. I had become chartered with the Institute of Structural Engineers, following a seven-hour exam, and I was looking to broaden my horizons and understand more about the industry I work in, in order to make a difference.
What kind of impact would bring you great satisfaction in your work?
To make someone look at something a bit differently. I would love for someone to look up at what I have designed and think 'I wonder how that works?'
What are your hopes for the future of Engineering?
That everyone will find it accessible and have the chance to discover the opportunities it has to offer. As an industry, we need to be more self-promoting because if you don't know it is there how do you know to ask about it?
What advice do you have for the next generation of women interested in engineering?
My advice for anyone thinking of getting into engineering really do explore it, it is such a diverse, creative subject and no two days are the same. Never stop looking up and wondering!