Gemma (BSc, CENG, CMGR, MRINA) Head of Product Management 

“I love a challenge and luckily at Sunseeker I have had the support of my peers and management to work through them. For me, the stereotypes around gender in our industry are being broken down, it is more to do with someone’s attributes and attitudes to the role that defines them. The opportunities that come with an engineering role are vast, today I am involved with all aspects of the new product development from design engineering, project management and boat shows.  It gives me exposure to engineers, production, suppliers and clients/dealers and is something I truly enjoy.  I would encourage problem solvers with a strong and proactive approach to consider a role in engineering and seek out the opportunities it provides.”

Jasmine, 3D Visualiser and Interior Designer

“Following graduating from Coventry University in Automotive and Transport Design, a unique opportunity opened for me to build experience in interior design with Sunseeker International. Utilising the skills I have in design, material research, sustainability and specifically 3D rendering has allowed me to take control of the role I now hold as a 3D Visualiser & Interior Designer.

The most enjoyable parts of my role are witnessing the projects I’ve developed through meticulous design come to life as well as combining my love for interior design with the technical attributes of 3D visualisation and allowing our clients to see their dreams come alive on screen. I take great pride being able to bridge design intent, with market needs and making a production product feel bespoke to each of our clients. My advice for anyone seeking a unique career path is to identify market gaps and leverage your unique skills and passions to create new opportunities and stand out in your field.”

Sydney, Marine Electrical Apprentice

“I'm a Marine Electrical Apprentice and I have been with Sunseeker just over three years. In September, I am attending a Women in Boat Building panel in the United States, in Port Townsend, where women from all over the world will be joining from the trade and I am so excited to take part. Being a woman in engineering, I try not to make it the focal point. I've wanted to be an engineer ever since I was really little, my dad was a royal engineer. When I was young and visiting Disney Land, instead of looking at the attractions I was fascinated by trying to figure out how they work and watching all the gears up in the roof. Over the last three years I've learnt a lot of technical skills, including electrical wiring, electrical testing, and electrical design.

The power to be able to build something from scratch, it’s such an uplifting feeling to fire something up and see it working or you see a finished boat go by and can say I wired that up. I really enjoy the comradery you get from being part of a team in building something brilliant. When you get something working and it all comes into place, it’s a really rewarding feeling. If you want to get into the trade, don't hold back and just go for it and push for it.”

Sarah, Skills Academy Graduate – Systems and Plumbing

I am very early into an engineering career in Systems and Plumbing. At 36, I wish I had started this pathway earlier in working life. It however shows that it's never too late to learn something new and I’ve found that previous work experiences can actually be helpful in many ways. I’ve always enjoyed problem solving and science-based subjects, but never considered a career in engineering when I was young, as I had never known of any female engineers.

Working in an environment where there are fewer women certainly makes me want to challenge myself on a personal level. It feels good to have that drive, enjoy what I do and be seen as a productive team member. I value the range of experience and fountain of knowledge shared within the team and enjoy the opportunity to provide a different perspective. Its a great team environment with brilliant mentors and team leaders who want to get the best out of you.

When I think of who inspires me, I’m lucky to have had many positive influences around me. I’m proud of my Grandad‘s achievements; Inventing ‘the helping handle’ for the disability charity Remap is just one of many. I’m thankful for my dad for pushing me to achieve my goals (even when they’ve felt impossible!) this has set me up for overcoming challenges. My mum however, is my biggest inspiration. She has always excelled in work and particularly sport, it has shown me that there are no boundaries to what women can do. I recommend any women out there considering a career in Engineering to get stuck in!”