Peggy’s strive for growth in Engineering field

Fiji’s engineering industry is slowly evolving with the inclusion of women engineers who are fast adapting to the realms of engineering.

One such individual is Peggy Henderson, who is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at Altitude Refrigeration.

She specialises in compiling tenders for projects, creating CAD drawings for cold rooms, and designing portable offices.

The 23-year-old from Malake, Rakiraki, started her engineering career at Altitude Refrigeration in January this year.

“I assist Senior Engineers with detailed CAD work, including the refinement of specifications and sanitizing CAD drawings to ensure accuracy. I occasionally do site visits to collect measurements,” Ms Henderson said.

Ms Henderson has always been passionate about understanding how things work.

She said engineering offered a tangible way to apply this curiosity.

“The financial stability in this field is a significant motivator.”

Engineering had become a serious consideration around Year 12, driven by her proficiency in mathematics and inquisitive nature.

While her childhood aspirations fluctuated between becoming a lawyer or a pilot, engineering eventually emerged as the perfect blend of challenge and opportunity for Ms Henderson.

Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Peggy Henderson, has worked on several projects in various resorts in Fiji. Photo: Altitude Refrigeration

Ms Henderson has worked on several significant projects at Altitude Refrigeration, which included the designing of the cold/freezer rooms at Nawi Island Resort and Namale Resort.

She also assisted with the drawings, focusing on CAD clean-up and additional detailing for Hilton Garden Inn.

“My role also encompasses a variety of other tasks and projects that contribute to the success of our operations,” she said.

Ms Henderson envisions herself as a seasoned and experienced engineer at Altitude Refrigeration in years to come, contributing the company’s growth and success.

“I love the welcoming work atmosphere, the collaborative team, the diverse workload, and the continuous learning opportunities.

“The dynamic environment at Altitude has allowed me to develop my engineering skills extensively, with support from colleagues who are always open to sharing knowledge and experience,” she said.

Challenge

Gender discrimination is a notable challenge, especially during the hiring processes.

Some companies perceive women as liabilities in engineering roles, often questioning their ability to handle demanding tasks traditionally viewed as “men’s work.

“These challenges motivate me to excel and prove my capabilities. I am fortunate that Altitude values talent and dedication over gender, fostering an inclusive environment where I can thrive,” Ms Henderson said.

With the theme ‘Enhanced by Engineering’ for International Women in Engineering Day, Ms Henderson said this signified the continuous advancement and innovation within the engineering field.

“It also represents breaking down gender stereotypes and contributing meaningfully to the industry’s growth and development.”

Feedback: laiseana.nasigai@fijisun.com.fj