Interview with a Placement Site Engineer for International Women in Engineering Day

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day which is today (23rd June 2025) we spoke to Sophie Jones, a placement engineer, based on our Project Pipeline: County Durham and Tees Valley project. 

When did you start your placement?

From 9 June 2025, for one year to June 2026. I am at Newcastle University and studying Civil Engineering from Sept 23 to Summer 27 (3 year degree).

What were the entry requirements for your course? 

I needed three A levels at grades ABB. I actually got 3 x As in Biology, Maths and Chemistry.

How did you find and arrange your placement?

I saw Farrans listed at a careers fair and looked the company up online. From their TikToks, the company came across as a great place to work so I applied. I heard back really quickly and was given an offer straight away.

What are your expectations?

I want to put in practice the things I’ve learned in the classroom – to do some real work on site.

Have you had any previous similar work experience?

I’ve done some lab work and some surveying on field trips, but other than that, my first year at university has mainly been in the classroom.

What made you pursue engineering as a career path? 

I was always good at Maths and problem solving and I like being out onsite, not indoors. I like the idea of working on things with a lot of variety.

What does a normal day in your role involve? 

So far, it’s still early days on my placement. I’ve been to all the different parts of the site, working alongside different engineers. I’ve been looking at drawings, setting out fencing using the GPS and marking out drainage lines with the subcontractors.

What is it like to be a woman in engineering?

There are not many girls, and I’m used to being in a minority, but really I don’t give it a second thought – it’s not a problem at all.

What advice would you give to girls and women interested and considering engineering as a career a path?

 Just do it! Give it a go – you can’t go wrong.

How important is it to have women working in the engineering field? 

Women bring a different perspective – I honestly can’t imagine there being no women in engineering – it’s unthinkable.

Future plans?

I’d like to stay with Farrans after I graduate and do the 2-year Farrans Foundation course. I also aim to do my Chartership and have a role as a senior engineer in the future.

This year’s INWED theme is #TogetherWeEngineer. What does this mean to you?

 I think it points to the idea of community, of people coming together as a team, facing challenges and achieving success together.