BAE Systems

Helen Barratt has climbed many ladders to break through a tough glass-ceiling in the world of manufacturing.

Beginning her career as an administration assistant, the 40-year-old is now construction capability manager at defence giant BAE Systems Submarine Solutions and is the most senior female manager involved in operations at the company.

Now, Helen, who has brought eight women on to her team, wants other ambitious young women to see that there are great opportunities waiting for them in the manufacturing industry. She is giving her full support to the new Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (MPD) which launched in schools and colleges across England in September.

Helen said: “I like to think I have introduced more women into operations, both directly and by showing that a journey previously seen as ‘no entry’ for women is open to them. A qualification like the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design will open up so many doors to young women in careers they had probably never ever considered. When I was younger I never imagined I would be involved in building nuclear submarines but I have come from the bottom of a big manufacturing company and worked my way up.

“The new Diploma in MPD will give young people a good, solid first step on the career ladder. I think it will give young women an insight into what the industry is about, what pathways there are to choose and what can be achieved. Just because an industry is deemed to be male-dominated, it doesn’t mean women can’t be successful. This Diploma will show students that the world of manufacturing is an exciting one and that there are so many avenues which can be explored.”

Helen joined BAE Systems Submarine Solutions in 1985 as an administration assistant and made her first venture into construction in 1997. She successfully helped deliver two 20,000 tonne amphibious assault ships to the Royal Navy and in January was appointed to her current position in which she supports four senior construction managers in managing budgets in excess of £100 million.

This year she was presented with the CBI’s ‘First Women’ award for the role she played in ensuring the 1,700 manufacturing staff, most of who are men, she oversees delivered on the demanding construction requirements of the Astute class of nuclear submarines.

The Diploma in MPD is designed to open young people’s eyes to the huge diversity and exciting challenges to be found in manufacturing, as well as to provide a solid foundation for a career in industry. It is available for 14-19 year-olds to study in school and college alongside traditional GCSEs and A-level qualifications, with part of the course happening in the workplace.

Employers play an important role in the delivery of the Diploma in MPD by joining partnerships of schools, colleges and local companies. They get involved by hosting site visits, giving talks to students, setting topics for projects and mentoring students to make sure people on the course get a real taste of what manufacturing and product design is about.