Award-Winning Ucp Student Holly Embodies ‘Engineering Intelligence’ For International Women In Engineering Day

To mark International Women in Engineering Day, University Centre Peterborough (UCP) is celebrating the remarkable achievements of Holly, a standout engineering student who is actively redefining leadership and diversity in the manufacturing sector.

Aligning perfectly with the global campaign to highlight the vital expertise and diverse perspectives that women bring to industry, Holly has recently been awarded the Industry Impact in Engineering and Manufacturing Award at the Inspire Education Group student awards. The accolade follows Holly’s incredible academic success, having smashed her Higher National Certificate (HNC) at UCP with straight distinctions, remarkably achieving these top marks while balancing the rigorous demands of full-time work.

Reflecting on the sheer perseverance required to succeed in the field, Holly said: “Engineering can be a challenging subject and there have been many moments that have taken a great deal of perseverance and determination. Receiving this award felt like a recognition of all the hard work. Having my efforts recognised by UCP means a lot to me.”

For Holly, awareness days like International Women in Engineering Day are not just about reflection, but are crucial tools for driving tangible culture change, breaking down barriers, and showing future generations what is possible. “It is important to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day because representation matters,” Holly explained. “Recognising the achievements of women in engineering helps inspire future generations and shows that there is a place for everyone in the industry. It is encouraging to see more women entering engineering. I am passionate about supporting other women to pursue STEM careers. If sharing my experiences helps other women see that there is a place for them in engineering, then I am proud to be a part of that.”

Holly credits much of her academic and professional triumph to the dedicated, tight-knit community and academic support she found during her higher education journey. “Balancing work and my study has not been easy, but knowing I was building a foundation for my future career kept me going,” she noted. “Achieving straight distinctions was a proud moment for me. I am extremely grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my lecturers throughout my time at UCP, whose guidance has played a huge part in my success.”

With a flawless HNC and a prestigious industry award now to her name, Holly is already looking toward the next blueprint for her career. Fueled by a genuine passion for the sector and a strong desire to keep learning and developing, she aims to continue building her real-world experience and technical knowledge by progressing onto a degree apprenticeship.