Finding a Place in Engineering
Neither Kiah nor Rosie followed a traditional route into engineering.
Growing up, Kiah had hoped to join the army. When medical issues prevented that path, she decided to learn a trade and followed in her grandfather’s footsteps, becoming an electrician.
Six years working on building sites gave her the self-assurance and perseverance to succeed in a male-dominated industry and eventually brought her to LEGOLAND Windsor, where she still continues to broaden her skills, learn new things and share her knowledge with others.
Rosie’s journey began with a passion for hands-on projects, such as mechanics and working on her classic Mini in her spare time. After a career in customer services, she wanted to find a role that would challenge her in different ways and discovered an opportunity in water treatment.
What began as a change of direction quickly became a career she loves. The variety keeps her engaged. The technical challenge, from water chemistry to fault diagnosis, keeps her sharp.
Solving problems before they become bigger issues
Engineering Intelligence in Action
The reality of engineering is often found in the moments that guests never notice.
Rosie recently helped resolve a complex issue affecting one area of the resort by spotting that two seemingly separate problems were connected. Working with her team, she helped identify the right solution before it could lead to wider disruption.
The scale of the work is easy to overlook. On a typical day, Rosie and her colleagues manage multiple water systems and respond to issues across the resort, regularly resolving problems long before guests are aware that anything needs attention.
For Kiah, engineering is equally about people. She believes a significant part of engineering involves helping colleagues understand technical issues, remaining calm under pressure and assuring everyone involved is informed and reassured.
Engineering at this level is as much about communication and collaboration as it is about technical skill. Both Kiah and Rosie know that. It shows in how they work.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
Women working in engineering continue to meet challenges in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated. Kiah believes that confidence and a strong support network are essential, and she encourages young women to believe in themselves and not be deterred by others’ opinions.
Rosie shares a similar message. She encourages women considering engineering to take the leap, highlighting the training and support available and the variety that makes the profession so interesting and rewarding.
Working in partnership with Merlin Entertainments, OCS is committed to creating opportunities for women in engineering because diverse teams bring different perspectives, strengthen decision-making and support better outcomes for colleagues, customers and guests.