Colloids Highlights Apprentices In The UK Plastics Industry For IWD

International Women's Day (IWD) is a time to highlight some of the excellent work that women across the UK plastics industry complete. Eva Blinston a young Apprentice Quality Laboratory Technician at Colloids Limited has shared her experience and thoughts with us at the BPF!

What does International Women's Day mean to you personally?

There are so many amazing women in my life who have had a great influence on me and I believe that International Women’s Day is the best time to show appreciation to all of the important women in our lives. It also reminds me to feel confident in who I am and comfortable with my identity no matter what other people may think, because so many women before me haven’t had the same freedom to do so.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the plastics industry?

I have always had my mind set on a career in STEM due to my interest in the sciences, that’s why I put myself forward for a laboratory technician apprenticeship. When I saw that Colloids Ltd had reached out to offer me an opportunity, I immediately took the chance, my apprenticeship as a quality laboratory technician has been a journey of growth and learning. I am forever grateful for being introduced into the plastics industry and hope to continue my development.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the plastics industry?

Never let anything dissuade you. There may be people out there who see that the plastics industry is male dominated and feel discouraged due to the negative connotations associated with being a woman in an industry that mainly involves men. You shouldn’t let statistics and the harmful stigma surrounding them prevent you from beginning your journey in plastics, we need to be the change that we want to see in the industry.

How do you think the industry can become more inclusive and supportive of women?

Keep giving women the chance to have their voices be heard and give them the serious consideration that they deserve. Female representation is important as it gives us the platforms to share our perspectives and can encourage far more women to pursue careers in the industry. More empathy in the workplace would promote a more supportive environment and prevent roles which come with preconceived notions about women from being formed.

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud of your work?

Receiving an award for which I had been voted for by my colleagues for the title of ‘rising star’, was a very rewarding moment. When I was awarded with the title, I felt accomplished and supported, knowing that other people in the company were taking notice of the effort that I was putting into my work.

Who are your role models, and how have they influenced your career?

The quality team, they have supported my journey throughout my apprenticeship and have had a great hand in shaping me into the person who I am today. They have instilled me with the confidence to make my own decisions and to undertake my own tasks and have been a constant pillar of support to help me progress and grow. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to help me strive towards a successful career in the plastics industry.

What do you like about working in the plastics industry?

There is never a boring day when working with plastics, with every day comes new challenges, interesting conversations, and innovative solutions. The plastics industry is so wide and varied that there are so many different paths that your career can take with plenty of room to grow.

How would you like to see the plastics industry change in the next 5 years?

I would like for the plastics industry to continue moving towards more sustainable and innovative options without sacrificing the integrity or quality of the products we are supplying to our customers. I’d also like to see an increase in the number of women working in the plastics industry as we strive towards equality in STEM industries.

Author: Colloids