INWED 2026 – Ella’s Journey in Engineering

With International Women in Engineering Day taking place this week, Intelect is proud to celebrate the talented women across our business. By championing women and encouraging greater representation in the industry, we can help build a more diverse, innovative, and successful engineering sector.

We spoke with Ella Tebble, our Compliance Manager, to learn more about her experience as a woman in the industry. Ella joined the business in May 2019 as a Business Administration Apprentice and successfully completed both her Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships with Middlesbrough College.

Through her dedication, determination, and continuous development, she has progressed through the company and now oversees our compliance operations across all companies within the Intelect Group.

Here’s what she had to say:

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I’ve always been interested in how things work and the processes that help businesses operate effectively.

While my role isn’t hands-on engineering, working within an engineering company allows me to contribute to the success of projects by ensuring quality, compliance, health and safety, and operational standards are met.

I was particularly drawn to the variety of the role and the opportunity to support continuous improvement across different areas of the business.

 

What does a typical day in your role look like?

No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my role.

A typical day can involve conducting internal audits and operational reviews, updating company policies and procedures, monitoring changes in legislation and industry standards, and supporting our quality, environmental, and health and safety management systems.

A key part of my role is ensuring that all companies operating under the Intelect brand continue to meet the requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. This includes maintaining our Integrated Management System, preparing for external audits, implementing improvements, and ensuring compliance across the business.

 

What has been your proudest achievement in your career so far?

One of my proudest achievements has been passing my NEBOSH General Certificate on my first attempt, as well as successfully completing my CQI & IRCA certified QMS ISO 9001 Auditor/Lead Auditor training.

Both qualifications required a significant amount of dedication and learning, and they have strengthened my knowledge of health and safety, quality management, and auditing. Achieving these qualifications at an early stage in my career has given me greater confidence in my role.

 

What advice would you give to young women or girls considering a career in engineering?

Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore the opportunities that engineering has to offer. Engineering is an incredibly diverse industry with a wide range of career paths.

Be confident in your abilities, ask questions, and take every opportunity to learn from those around you.