In this episode, Abi chats to Area HR Manager, Tuesday Ibbotson. After just two years spent in the steel industry, Tuesday is already making a name for herself – from her involvement in the Steel Women’s Network to becoming a major player in the development of Tata Steel’s Diversity and Inclusion Programme. But for Tuesday, her life and career trajectory hasn’t always been on the up. From teenager years spent in hospital beds to the struggles of finding a full-time job and postponed plans to travel the world – how did she become the well-rounded and inspiring person she is today? Listen in ..read more

In this episode, Abi chats to Lead Technician for Raw Materials, Georgia Cox. Woman in STEM, powerlifter, feminist campaigner and the official Miss Port Talbot – is there anything Georgia can’t do? At age of 20, Georgia has already secured herself a permanent job in Port Talbot steelworks, just six months after joining the company as a Higher Laboratories Apprentice. But it wasn’t an easy path for Georgia. Academically gifted, Georgia secured a place in one of the world’s top universities, but she felt something just wasn’t right... Tune in to hear Georgia talk about making big decisions i ..read more

In this brand-new series of Women of Steel, Tata Steel’s host, Abi Thomas kicks things off by chatting to April Wilkinson, Head of Technical at Shotton Works. This year, April will be celebrating two decades spent in steel. But it was while studying for her A-Levels one day, that a lecturer planted the seed in her brain . . . ‘Study Materials Science, and you’ll be guaranteed to get a job by the end of it, particularly as a woman’, he said. Since joining what was then Corus as a Summer Placement in the early 2000’s, April has risen through the ranks to become one of three female senior manag ..read more

After completing her degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of Warwick, Karen joined what was then British Steel, as a Logistics Graduate in 1992. Working across a number of different departments over the last 29 years, Karen is currently working as an Integration Manager for Supply Chain. It has been quite a career for Karen, who has been able to successfully navigate being in a senior management position while raising her family – but it hasn’t always been easy. Karen opens up about how it's vital to take time for yourself, the importance of prioritising your mental ..read more

After joining the industry as an apprentice, Barbara has enjoyed a varied career specialising in the Energy department. With a thirst for learning that has carried her across the last twenty years, join us for a conversation on how Barbara is now navigating the next phase of her career, as it collides with an important issue for many women in the workplace – menopause. With insights on how the support of female colleagues, alongside a robust workplace policy can make this transition period smoother for lots of women plus some brilliant book recommendations from Barbara that she has found to b ..read more

Aimee is a Process Technology specialist at Tata Steel’s Llanwern site, having studied forensic science at De Montfort University it was by chance that Aimee discovered that there could be a field of study and work around metallurgy. Completing her PHD in 2019 Aimee is also vice-chair of the IOM3 Student and Early careers committee.  Growing up in the steel town of Corby, Aimee was always aware of the steel industry, but never once imaged herself working in it herself.  Join us for a conversation on finding your passions, working hard to achieve your goals and the benefits of&nb ..read more

After joining the Royal Navy following a bet with her dad, Natalie successfully enjoyed a career as a Weapons Engineering Officer for over a decade, having 2 of her 3 children whilst in service; gaining operational campaign medals for service in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Libya. Following the Navy, she began her career in steel working as an operations planner for Harsco and an advanced refractories technician for Vesuvius. Now, as a specialist in refractory maintenance on Port Talbot’s iconic Blast Furnaces, Natalie is open about the struggle of being the absent parent, the lessons she’s ..read more

Despite hailing from the north east of England – a region rich in heavy industry history – Heather Rowland never dreamt she’d be at the coalface of a south Wales steelworks. Now, more than a decade into her career, Heather has overcome imposter syndrome to cement herself as a key figure in Port Talbot’s steelmaking plant, playing a large part in projects and processes that keep the site operating safely and efficiently. As one of the 4% of women in operational roles across Tata Steel’s hub in Port Talbot and Llanwern, Heather is keen to see more female representation in the workforce, and wh ..read more

While carving out a successful career in a private law firm, Natalie Young wanted to pursue a career that would give her an opportunity to have a more active input in legal projects. One way to achieve that was to join an in-house team. Natalie joined Tata Steel back in 2009 as a solicitor in the property team. Since then, she has not only climbed the ladder to become Head of Legal for Property at Tata Steel Europe, but has made a conscious effort to extend her hand and assist others during their own climb. A passionate singer in her spare time, Natalie hits all the right notes when harmonis ..read more

What started as a summer job to cover a hefty phone bill turned into a lifelong career for Jo Evans. Starting at 17 in the sales office, within 10 years Jo was sales Director managing a large team of mostly men, twice her age. Was this intimidating? What lessons did she learn along the way? She is a woman forged from her experiences in steel. In this conversation, we learn about Jo's passion for helping others to learn on the job, she believes in giving people a chance, taking that risk and always learning from your mistakes ..read more