The 23rd of June marks International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), an initiative to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering and technical roles, highlighting the urgent need to close the gender gap.
Despite years of progress, the statistics remain concerning:
- Just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are women (EngineeringUK)
- Less than 12% of women hold manufacturing technical roles
- Women are significantly underrepresented in industrial print and packaging operations, especially on the factory floor
At Harrison Packaging, we are working to challenge these trends. On International Women in Engineering Day, we are proud to spotlight one of our apprentices, Paige Long, a print technician who is helping to redefine what is possible for women in technical roles.
Meet Paige
At just 18 years old, Paige is already a vital part of our print operations team. She joined us at 16 through the BPIF Training Programme, becoming the first female printer in our 143-year history.
Paige’s journey began when, during her interview, she admitted she expected to see desktop-sized printers. What she found instead were towering Koenig & Bauer and LSX presses. That moment sparked her passion, and she has never looked back.
Fast forward two years. Paige is now confidently operating our LSX press, has gained hands-on experience with our Rapida 106 X press, and is on track to complete her three-year apprenticeship six months early!
Apprentice Paige Long making ready the LSX Carton Packaging Print Press
Breaking the Stereotypes
In an industry underrepresented by women on the shop floor, Paige has found her place.
She has demonstrated outstanding skill in complex press situations, including removing a trapped plate from a £4 million press machine, requiring technical knowledge and skill.
She also recently led an improvement project to reorganise carton board palletisation, making the process more efficient and health and safety compliant.
Paige’s journey has been a mix of hands-on training, mentorship, and apprenticeship learning. Her BPIF tutor speaks highly of her, noting that she is a highly engaged and adaptable apprentice who consistently delivers high-quality work, demonstrates maturity beyond her years, and balances the demands of shift work and study with professionalism, making her an asset to Harrison Packaging and a strong candidate for a Distinction at End Point Assessment.
When asked about her goals, Paige does not hesitate to say that she wants to become the Number One Printer on our flagship Koenig & Bauer Rapida X press, an ambition that will break the stereotype!
Why Stories Like Paige’s Matter
When young girls see women succeeding in such roles, it opens the door to possibility. Paige’s story illustrates that with the right environment, support, and ambition, women can thrive and succeed in traditionally male roles.
Craig Turnbull, Managing Director at Harrison Packaging, comments: “Paige represents the future of our industry. At just 18, she is excelling in a highly technical environment and helping to challenge outdated perceptions. Her success is a reminder that we need more role models like her to inspire the next generation of girls to enter our carton packaging sector.”
This International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate Paige and all the women pushing boundaries in engineering, manufacturing, and beyond.
If you are interested in joining Harrison Packaging, contact Kirsty Eaton at recruitment@harrisonpack.com or call 01642 754600.