Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias and without further ado, we’re proud to present the women of Harland & Wolff!

Introducing Natalka

Natalka is our Payroll Officer based in Belfast.

I work within the Finance team as a Payroll Officer. As part of this position, I provide payroll services across all four of our sites (Appledore, Arnish, Belfast and Methil) while being responsible for the timely and accurate payment of all employees.

At present, I’m currently undergoing my CIPP course so I can develop in her career.

One of my greatest accomplishments so far has been serving four and a half years in the Royal Navy.

 

Who inspires you?
“My Mum. Although it sounds cliché my Mum is the strongest and caring woman I know and I would definitely not be where I am in my life today if it wasn’t for her.”

Favourite Quote
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile”

Introducing Mel

Based at Harland & Wolff (Appledore), Mel is one of our HR Business Partners.

I fell into HR after a spell of working on the tills at the local Safeway back in 1996, I love the variety that the role gives you and the ability to help people.  The world would be a boring place if everyone was the same and I really enjoy forging those professional relationships that are essential if you are going to work well together.

I studied for my Level 3 CIPD qualification part time and later went on to gain my Level 5 in Leadership and Management.

After Safeway I went to work as HR Manager in a Secondary School, this was very rewarding and gave me the opportunity to set an HR function up from scratch.  After 10 years the school became an academy, and the HR function was made redundant. This gave me the opportunity to take a temporary job that had been advertised at Appledore Shipyard. Being a local with fond memories of visiting the yard as a child and learning to swim in the dockyard pool, I jumped at the chance. The camaraderie and banter you get in a shipyard is like nothing else on earth, I felt like I had really found my niche and couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be part of this misfit rabble of experience, knowledge and lunacy!

I am proud of the service I offer and the support provided to the businesses I work for, I am a strong believer that everyone should be treated fairly with respect and shown empathy when required.

Who inspires you?

“I am inspired by any woman who works hard and gives back to others big or small.  Single mothers who do their very best for their children, women who have to cope day in day out with disability of either themselves or a family member and women with real balls that stand up and speak out about the aspects of life they believe in, whatever the size of the situation.”

Favourite Quote

“One day you will be a memory for people, make sure it’s a good one.”

Introducing Staci

One of our Apprentices, Staci is based at Harland & Wolff (Methil).

I grew up in a small town in Aberdeenshire called Banff and moved to Rosyth around my fourth year at high school, that’s when I started to get a keen interest in welding and fabrication.

In 2019, I started college and completed an introduction to engineering and automotive before moving on to complete a welding, fabrication and inspection course. In 2021, I applied for my current apprenticeship with Harland & Wolff and here I am now!

One of my biggest achievements so far is doing all this while juggling my two young kids.

Who inspires you?

“My mum, I watched her raise me and my brother on her own tackling every task in hand and never backed down from a challenge.”

Favourite Quote
“Good things come to people who work hard for it”

Introducing Maxi

Maxi, is our Office Manager based at Harland & Wolff (Arnish)

I joined Harland & Wolff just over seven months ago as the Office Manager / HSE Advisor. My responsibilities are incredibly varied but mainly include, leading all ‘new start inductions’, ensuring successful safety audits, revising and implementing risk assessments, as well as leading safety walks throughout the facilities.

I was incredibly excited to join Harland & Wolff as it’s always been such a big name and is known to me by the famous Titanic – I see a positive future with the company working in renewables and shipping.

Who inspires you?
“My mother inspires me, she always has a positive attitude to life whatever is going on, she has supported me unconditionally all my life.”

Favourite Quote
“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives”

Introducing Dee

Based in our London office, Dee is our Group Security Officer.

I am responsible for the company’s group security measures and information assurance, ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and assets. I do this by making sure we comply with legislative, regulatory and customer requirements, whilst also ensuring that business goals and objectives can be met.

This includes, amongst other things, personnel security management, identifying and advising on measures to meet operational requirements and physical security controls, ensuring project compliance and security within the supply chain, producing security policies and processes, and arranging appropriate security education and awareness programmes.

I have been a security professional working within the defence and security services sector for nearly 20 years, working for such well-known companies as BAE, Leonardo and Ultra. I also currently sit on the board of DISA (the Defence Industry Security Association), my professional body.  DISA acts as a collective representative body interacting with HM government and agencies and helping to shape policies and processes within the defence arena.

Who inspires you?
“Margaret Thatcher, the longest serving British prime minister of the 20th century and the first woman to hold that office.

Controversial perhaps, depending on your politics, but I admire her for the fact she was principled, challenged the status quo, a strong leader, worked hard for her success, and advanced the cause of women everywhere by proving there’s nothing we can’t do.”

Favourite Quote
“What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?”