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At Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 by highlighting the incredible achievements of our female staff members who are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and construction fields.
These industries have historically been male-dominated, but our lecturers are proving that talent and determination know no gender.
We spoke to three inspiring women at the College – Sally Way (Electrical Lecturer), Christine Jones (Deputy Head of Curriculum and Skills for ICT), and Helen Hoon (Lecturer in Biology and Maths) – who shared their journeys, challenges, and advice for young women aspiring to enter STEM and construction careers.
Sally Way: Sparking Change in the Electrical Industry
Electrical lecturer Sally Way
Sally Way’s journey into the electrical industry began with a personal experience—hiring an electrician for work on her home. Realising that the only thing separating her from the professional was a qualification, she took the leap and enrolled as a full-time Level 1 student at Weymoth College in 2019.
“Going back to ‘school’ as a mature learner was daunting, especially being in a class with much younger students,” she recalls. “ I think they probably bought out the best in me as I felt I needed to really push myself in order to complete my course and progress onto the next levels.”
Sally went on to complete her Level 3 qualification and was unexpectedly invited back to teach.
She says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing her students progress and qualify as the next generation of electricians. “When learners leave a session smiling and say, ‘Thanks, Sally,’ that’s when I know I’ve done a good job,” she commented.
“Being a woman in the electrical industry has given me a unique perspective. I often tell my students that resilience and determination will take you far—whether you’re male or female. The key is to focus on your skills and prove your ability through hard work.”
Her advice to young women considering electrical or construction careers? “Just go for it! The more women enter these fields, the easier and more accepted it will become for others in the future. We can do the same jobs to the same standards as our male counterparts.”
Christine Jones: Coding a Path to Success in IT
Christine Jones found her passion for computing through her love of maths. After earning a degree in Maths and Computing, she began her career in scientific computing, eventually working for British Aerospace as a senior analyst.
“In the workplace, I never faced challenges related to being in a male-dominated industry,” she said. In fact, Christine found that having women on the team created a more professional environment. However, one outdated expectation did stand out—she was initially required to wear a skirt to work!
Christine’s passion for education developed when she became a full-time mother and later transitioned into teaching. Now, as Deputy Head of Curriculum and Skills for ICT at Weymouth College, she finds joy in helping students build confidence and develop their potential.
Her advice to young women pursuing computing and STEM? “Do what you love, never be afraid to ask questions and believe in yourself; everyone has their own strengths. Many computing jobs involve teamwork and soft skills – you don’t have to be a ‘whizz kid’ to succeed.”
Helen Hoon: A Passion for Biology and Teaching
Helen Hoon’s love for STEM began in childhood, fuelled by her family’s passion for farming, animals and genetics. She initially pursued a degree in maths but later switched to horticulture, working in parks and gardens before moving into teaching.
After teaching maths at Kingston Maurward College, she pursued a degree in biology alongside her full-time job, eventually transitioning to Weymouth College to teach both subjects.
“The most rewarding part of my job is being in the classroom, teaching biology,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Helen advises young women to pursue STEM subjects they genuinely enjoy: “With hindsight I think I would have chosen to study Biology straight away at university as it was my favourite. I had followed advice that maths would lead to better jobs. There were far less females studying maths back in the 1980s and so I was encouraged to do so.
“My challenge was always not being sure of what I wanted to do as a career. My advice to young women is to study the STEM subjects that you most enjoy. Even if you are like I was back then and don’t know where you are heading, there will be STEM opportunities which will reveal themselves in time and as you specialise more.
“If you are lucky enough to know what you want to do within STEM then my advice is to go for it!”
Accelerating Action for Gender Equality
At Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, we recognise that International Women’s Day is about more than just celebrating women in specific industries – it is about pushing for gender equity in all aspects of society.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is #AccelerateAction, encouraging individuals and organisations to take bold, decisive steps to drive meaningful progress for women and girls around the world.
Gender equality is not just about fairness – it benefits everyone. Creating inclusive spaces in education, workplaces and communities leads to innovation, better decision-making and stronger societies. Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is committed to supporting women in all fields and ensuring that every student, regardless of gender, has access to the same opportunities and encouragement to achieve their goals.
If you’re looking for a place to grow, learn and be inspired, Weymouth College is here to support you every step of the way!