Every October, Ada Lovelace Day highlights the achievements of women in STEM inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
We are proud to celebrate the incredible women across our business who are driving innovation and helping us deliver engineering excellence in our automation solutions.
Who was Ada Lovelace?
Ada Lovelace (1815–1852) was a mathematician and visionary who worked with Charles Babbage on his early computing machine, the Analytical Engine. She is often celebrated as the first computer programmer but more importantly, she imagined a future where machines could do much more than crunch numbers. Her vision still resonates today, reminding us of the importance of innovation and inclusion in engineering.
Driving Innovation at PCE
From the design team, procurement, and project managers, to engineers and technical specialists, women at PCE are involved in every part of our innovation journey. They bring expertise that makes a lasting impact on the automation solutions we create.
“As a part of the design team, I get to have a great impact on the workflow at PCE. Being one of the first steps between the customer’s request and a finished product, I get to see my work pass through the departments and develop into the impressive machines sent out. From researching parts and reaching out to suppliers, to coming up with new concepts, to brainstorming and collaborating with colleagues, to designing and drawing new parts on complex software, I am thrilled to utilise my knowledge and contribute to the design team’s expertise.
It is daunting going into a workplace of predominantly men, but I wouldn’t change my decision for anything. Despite the inequalities and disrespect towards many women in this field, during my time here, I have been treated with only respect and generosity just as everyone else. It’s refreshing to fully integrate into the office dynamic and not be set aside as different or delicate. As a woman in STEM, I remind myself to keep my head up and keep fighting for changes globally so more women can feel empowered as I do. There’s so much support amongst women in STEM, the encouragement and recognition between us is unmatched. STEM workplaces have made leaps in respect for women due to days like today and us making noise about our experiences. I encourage more women to enter this everchanging and empowering industry.”
– Jess Dunn-Birch, Junior Mechanical Design Engineer
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging more women into engineering and STEM careers is essential and our team is passionate about showing what’s possible. Our apprentices and younger engineers demonstrate how rewarding and impactful a career in automation can be.
“Being involved in STEM projects on a day-to-day basis demonstrates how important it is for women to be involved in the conversation, and for a diverse workforce to collaborate to achieve a successful delivery of machines to countries around the world.
Diversity, I feel, helps drive innovation and working at PCE has shown me that I am able to do anything I put my mind to. Although we face many challenges in the engineering sector, PCE allows me to take that step to solve problems. Because I have gained the necessary knowledge, I can put it into practice and act on my own initiative.
The industry can appear quite intimidating, but I am treated as an equal on the shopfloor; the team at PCE have always been a big support throughout my career and are always on hand to give me the help and guidance I need when asked.”
– Caitlyn Hall, Electrical Engineering Technician
We are committed to fostering a new generation of women in STEM. Ada Lovelace’s pioneering spirit reminds us that innovation comes from bold ideas and the courage to explore them.
“Welcoming women into STEM is important because it leads to greater innovation, equality, and progress for everyone. Since being at PCE Automation I have found that my confidence has grown and I now have the ability to present my thoughts and opinions amongst the team. I encourage women to follow their passion and to not doubt themselves.“
– Maisy Langdale, Apprentice
Whether students are taking their first steps, graduates entering the workforce, or professionals considering a career switch into STEM, engineering offers exciting opportunities to get involved.
How to Get Started
Interested in following in Ada’s footsteps? There are clear pathways into a career in engineering and automation at PCE:
Apprenticeships: Combine real-world work with structured learning. Our next set of apprenticeships will be open to applications around late February 2026.
Work Experience: For students thinking about your future career we also offer one week work experience placements between May – July, where you an work with us to see whether this type of work is right for you. Contact Reception to find out more.
Careers Fairs: Meet our team and explore possible opportunities at local careers fairs.
Contact Us: Send us your CV, or get in touch with our recruitment team to discuss how your skills may be suited to a career with PCE.
Open Days: We also welcome requests for open days from local schools and colleges. Our open days allow students to take a tour of a local site and gain an understanding of what it is we do. Contact our recruitment team to request an open day at one of our sites.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Ada Lovelace Day, we recognise the importance of diversity in driving innovation. We are committed to supporting women in automation and creating opportunities for future generations to succeed in STEM. By building skills and gaining experience, the next generation of engineers will play a vital role in shaping the future of the automation industry.
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