The Autocar Great British Women in the Car Industry event has recognised 13 Ford employees in the sector’s top 100 most promising rising stars.
The Manufacturing category was won by Ford’s diesel manufacturing strategy manager, Leah Bruce, and there was strong representation of Ford women in the Marketing and Product Development categories,too.
Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “I’m delighted to see so many of our female employees being recognised at this special event. Women are underrepresented in the automotive sector and it’s fantastic that events like this highlight the successful women in our industry, and raise awareness of the rewarding career opportunities that exist.”
Speaking of Leah Bruce’s manufacturing category win, Autocar’s editorial director, Jim Holder, said: “Leah's job puts her at the epicentre of one of the toughest debates in the industry at present, making her the ideal standard bearer for showcasing just how far a career in automotive manufacturing can take you. She has reached this incredible role through a career in which it is clear she has consistently shone individually, both in the UK and abroad, and by showing a dedication to highlighting the opportunities on offer in the industry through her work promoting STEM subjects.”
The winners were announced at the second Great British Women in the Car Industry event which aims to encourage more women into the automotive industry.
A networking lunch, supported by Ford’s 2016 Category winners; Lisa Brankin, director Ford of Britain Marketing, Julia Woodhouse, purchase director for Global Chassis, and Josephine Payne, manufacturing production area manager, provided attendees with the chance to share experiences and discuss career development.
Ford recognises the challenges of attracting young people, especially girls, to consider a future career in the automotive industry and runs a wide range of activities and initiatives to address this and to encourage more women to participate in STEM studies, and raise awareness of the career opportunities available to them.
Leah Bruce – Diesel manufacturing strategy manager (42)
Born and raised in Leicester and holding a MSc in Manufacturing Engineering from Cranfield (1996), Leah joined Ford in 2001 following prior employment in the packaging industry in Northampton. Within Ford, Leah has held a number of roles within manufacturing, installing engine production lines including the first petrol and diesel production line in Chennai, India.
In her current role as diesel manufacturing strategy manager, Leah is responsible for developing the global manufacturing strategy for diesel engines by establishing a clear and actionable global manufacturing vision. Leah leads global cross-functional, multi-cultural teams from South America, Middle East and Africa, Australia, India, North America, South America and Europe impacting production of millions of engines per annum.
Leah is a key member of the Ford Mentoring Program, Personnel Development Committee and Diversity Council. In addition, she is currently spearheading a new initiative that promotes networking and mentoring for young engineers.
External to Ford, Leah actively supports Ford Community initiatives for various charities including Basildon Women’s Refuge, Macmillan and Breast Cancer.
Ford Initiatives
FoB Women in IT – IT Girls Day
Women in IT (WIT) host a fun, exciting and educational event at the Dunton Technical Centre for 60 female students, from five local schools, aged 13-16. The purpose of the event is to actively engage with the local school communities to attract more girls into STEM related careers such as IT and, specifically, at Ford. Activities include a ‘hands-on’ coding session and an insight into the role IT plays in future smart mobility opportunities.
International Women in Engineering Day
Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre opens its door to welcome 80 Year nine students from local schools. Pupils spend the day taking part in engineering activities, such as an egg crash challenge, and tours of the engineering facilities, with the aim to promote interest in pursuing STEM subjects.
Greenpower Trust (Formula Goblins, Formula 24)
Ford Engineers support local schools and the Dunton Technical Centre hosts the regional finals of the Greenpower Trust competition round including both Formula Goblin (between nine and 11 years old) and Formula 24 teams (between 11 and 16)
Formula Student UK
Ford sponsors three 'Formula Student' teams. Formula Student is the the world's largest student motorsport event, seeing over 3,000 students in 135 teams from 28 different countries compete at Silverstone racing track in Northamptonshire. Its aim is to help develop the UK's next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators.
STEM Prize
Recognising that women are traditionally under-represented in STEM studies and the related professions, The Ford PWN (Professional Women’s Network) awards an annual prize to recognise the achievements of women in STEM. The prize is awarded to a female student undertaking a STEM degree who can demonstrate that they are helping to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists.
Ford Blue Oval Scholarships
Launched in 2011, to celebrate 100 years of Ford in Britain, the Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme is established to support the UK’s next generation student engineers, scientists and innovators.
Ford provides sponsorship for undergraduates on a selection of engineering, science, manufacturing and technology courses at leading UK universities. These universities are: Bath, Bradford, Brunel, Cardiff, East Anglia, Imperial College London, Loughborough, Nottingham, Southampton, Strathclyde, Surrey and Warwick.
First Lego League event
FIRST® LEGO® League is a global science and technology challenge for teams of students, to encourage an interest in real world issues and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers. The students work together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO robot to solve a series of tasks. FLL is for young people aged between nine and 16, working in teams of up to 10 students with a supporting adult coach.
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 202,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 52,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 66,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and eight unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
