The Women in Plant event, which is free to attend and takes place on October 4th at the Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane, is designed to be an open forum where female plant operators and mechanics can highlight the issues and challenges they faced when they entered the industry, some of which still persist today.

Speaking about the event, Callum Mackintosh, president of the SPOA, said: “I’m proud that we have a date for our first gathering of women in plant. Our industry needs more talent and more women, but to make that happen we need to hear from the women in our industry who are already blazing a trail to understand how we can shape the future of the Scottish plant industry to make it more inclusive and where women can forge successful careers.

“I’m delighted that the event is filling up fast, and I am calling on all women from all plant related roles to join us for an afternoon of discussion, debate and hopefully plenty of fun as well.”

Joining Callum in Dunblane and a driving force behind this first ever event aimed at women in the industry is Amy Monaghan, a director in the family business Arvill Plant and Tool Hire in Airdrie. Together with her sister Hayley, who is commercial director in the business, they know full well the challenges and opportunities for women in the plant industry.

Amy outlined her vision for the forthcoming event: “I’m looking forward to seeing so many of our talented female plant operators and mechanics in the same room. I know first-hand the opportunities that are out there and the need to make it easier for women to succeed in this industry. It should be a good session with lots of frank discussion and I’m grateful to the SPOA for putting on this event and for its commitment to support women in the industry.”

Tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.