CCR Energy Celebrates International Women’s Day at Aberthaw
CCR Energy proudly hosted its first International Women’s Day event at Aberthaw, bringing together partners from industry, academia and the third sector to celebrate the achievements of women across energy, engineering and innovation industries.
The event was delivered in partnership with Marie Curie and generously sponsored by demolition contractors Erith Contractors Ltd. Attendees heard from a range of inspiring speakers, and exhibitors, while exploring opportunities for collaboration across sectors connected to the future of Aberthaw.
Inspirational keynote from Sue Horne OBE
The event welcomed Sue Horne OBE as the keynote speaker, who shared insights from her remarkable career in space science.
Sue began her career in the sector in 1991 and went on to contribute to some of the world’s most significant international space missions; including Rosetta, Mars Express, Cassini-Huygens and the James Webb Space Telescope. As Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, she also played a key role in supporting the UK’s involvement in human spaceflight, which ultimately led to Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station.
Reflecting on her early career, Sue spoke candidly about often being the only woman in the room and shared a powerful message with attendees – sometimes it only takes one woman stepping into that room to pave the way for many more to follow.
Showcasing innovation and collaboration at Aberthaw
Additionally, the event highlighted the exciting work taking place across the Aberthaw site.
Dr Bettina Bockelmann-Evans shared insights into the innovative projects currently being developed at Aberthaw, while Lucy Walker, from Marie Curie, spoke about the vital work the charity delivers supporting people and families at the end of life, including their upcoming ‘Beat the Gower Coast’ fundraising walk.
Teams from The Open University and Marie Curie exhibited at the event, with The Open University showcasing the proposed Earth and Space Innovation Hub project at Aberthaw. They highlighted the potential for future research, innovation and collaboration at the site.
Supporting the next generation of women in engineering
The event was also attended by representatives from the Aspire Shared Apprenticeship programme and PCI Pharma Services, highlighting the importance of supporting young people into careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
One example of this is Georgia, who began her journey as an Aspire apprentice before progressing into a full-time role as a Technical Project Engineer at PCI.
Georgia initially secured a position with PCI through Aspire but took the opportunity to spend a year at CERN in Switzerland – an experience she could not turn down. Following her return, Aspire continued to support her journey, helping her secure another opportunity with PCI, mentoring her throughout the process until she achieved full-time employment.
Georgia also received excellent support during her apprenticeship from Coleg y Cymoedd and Coleg Gwent, demonstrating the value of collaboration between education providers, industry and apprenticeship programmes.
Reflecting on Georgia’s progression, Adam Pugsley, Senior Manager – Head of Engineering at PCI shared:
“Georgia’s journey from Aspire Apprentice to Technical Project Engineer with PCI is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication, capability, and the right support. Starting her apprenticeship on site, she has grown into a key member of our Site Projects team, contributing to the successful delivery of major strategic initiatives including new GMP facility builds and the onboarding of GMP equipment and utilities.
Georgia’s progression not only reflects her own commitment and talent, but also the team’s dedication to developing junior members of staff into impactful engineering leaders.”
“Georgia’s journey from Aspire Apprentice to Technical Project Engineer with PCI is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication, capability, and the right support. Starting her apprenticeship on site, she has grown into a key member of our Site Projects team, contributing to the successful delivery of major strategic initiatives including new GMP facility builds and the onboarding of GMP equipment and utilities.
Adam Pugsley, Senior Manager – Head of Engineering at PCI.
Bringing partners together
The event welcomed support from a number of partners who helped make the day a success. A special thank you to Dan Langford and Mike Jordan from Wales Week London, and to Penderyn Welsh Whisky and Brains Brewery for providing gifts for attendees.
CCR Energy would also like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the event. The day provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day while bringing together partners to discuss innovation, collaboration and the future opportunities emerging at Aberthaw.