Meet Rachael Sharp | Inspiring Women in Engineering

1. Tell us what you do at Transport

I am a Mechanical Engineering Cadet with the Entry Level Talent Programs and am currently based in the Sydney Trains Fleet Maintenance Division at Mortdale Maintenance Centre.

I am soaking up everything I can to learn from the depot engineers whilst acquiring hands on experience with the Tangara Fleet.

2. What's your proudest moment?

One thing that I enjoy and am proud of is my ability to juggle my University studies while working at Transport NSW as a cadet, performing both roles to the best of my ability.

At University my proudest moment would be when I designed a mechanical leg brace prototype to enable an individual with Cerebral Palsy to ride an exercise bike unassisted for the first time.

3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

My biggest piece of advice would be to look past the stereotypical definition of Engineering as being a boys club full of maths and physics. As to thrive and grow in engineering disciplines it is more valuable to have a curious nature and motivation to solve problems.

I also encourage any women starting their studies in Engineering to fully immerse themselves in the engineering community, to believe that they will be successful and to persevere. The women I have met through Engineering are some of the most supportive, encouraging and driven individuals I have encountered.

4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

I believe that the future of women in engineering can be transformed by increasing the exposure of both workplaces to female engineers, but also young STEM students to female engineers.

By expanding how often the female engineers are seen, heard and presented to the wider community the more normal, expected and respected they will become, rather than surprising additions, and in turn enable women to be completely comfortable and themselves in the workplace.

5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

In high school was selected in the Under 17s Australian Softball Squad and this may not be a secret, I am extremely competitive – but that’s not a bad trait to have as a female in Engineering.