CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY

On International Women in Engineering Day, we talk to Angie Shardlow, Maintenance Manager from Hythe in Kent to find out more about her role overseeing reactive repair and mandatory tasks across military training sites in the South East. Angie worked in the engineering sector for seven years before joining Landmarc in 2019, where she now manages maintenance requirements across several sites near Hythe. 

 

“I started my career back in 2013 working for a local housing association, carrying out reactive maintenance on large void properties. This was followed by a period with a property maintenance company, where I managed large refurbishments and planned maintenance for over 10,000 properties.

“’I spotted a Maintenance Supervisory role for Landmarc and knew I would enjoy it and two years in, I’m now in my first management role as a Maintenance Manager covering several sites around Hythe in Kent. Being a woman working in the defence sector is fascinating and I work with such a supportive team, where we really take pride in what we do.

 

My responsibilities

“My focuses are carrying out all planned preventive maintenance, reactive repairs and statutory and mandatory tasks over multiple sites which cover a large geographic area of Hythe Ranges, Risborough Barracks, Napier Barracks, St Martins Plain Camp, and lots of dry training areas. I undertake the management of small installation works and the management of all hard service sub-contractors, working with my team to organise the workload to minimise any lost or non-productive time so that all tasks are completed within the target date. We also work closely with the Additional Works team to support building improvement projects for our Armed Forces who are using the estate to train.

 

A changeable environment  

“I’m a proactive person and most days I will walk around our sites to carry out a general inspection of the workplace, to ensure the safety of the buildings on site. I arrange to meet with DIO on a regular basis at many of the dry training areas, where we discuss works that are needed and plan accordingly. I organise routine toolbox talks to ensure my team are wearing suitable PPE, especially in the current situation, along with the correct working tools and materials to perform any works, whilst ensuring the two metre social distancing rule continues to be maintained at all times.  

“I work in a very changeable environment which can alternate very quickly between phone calls and emails. I can plan a week’s worth of tasks that need completing but suddenly, a critical call comes in and it changes everything! But I love a challenge and it keeps my day very interesting.

The best part of my job 

“Venturing out to our sites to investigate the work in progress is fascinating, where I get to meet so many different people across the estate from Landmarc to DIO, with a rewarding feeling that we can make a significant positive change for the end user.

“Working for a military friendly organisation is a great place to work, I enjoy learning about the history of Landmarc, especially from colleagues who have the knowledge and army background – it feels a privilege to be part of that club!

“I feel very fortunate to have this exciting opportunity, working with a fantastic team. I love the variety of challenges I face and I’m always learning new things.

“My work volume and responsibilities have increased but the support I have from my Manager, Kevin Hoare, has been amazing – he’s always happy to be on the end of the phone answering my questions!

My advice for women wanting to explore a career in engineering – go for it! Engineering is amazing, rewarding and it’s for everyone.”