In a very male dominated industry, we spoke to our very own Lizzie Lowe about her experiences within the industry and how Artic have helped to develop her career within the Facilities Management sector.

What is your role at Artic?

I have worked at Artic for 3 years and having joined as an Administration Assistant, I quickly attained new skills and the company identified the potential of me pursuing a career within the Operations and Compliance areas of the business.

With the support of the company I attended and achieved core Health & Safety, ISO and basic Building Services qualifications.

In my current capacity, I am responsible for all Quality Assurance, ISO, Health & Safety activities and accreditations including training across our 100+ workforce.

I manage the company’s accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.

How are Artic helping you to progress your career?

Since joining the company I have completed my IOSH Managing Safely course which has helped me further understand and develop within the health and safety arena and with the support of our consultants, have influenced the direction of our H&S processes and policies.

I have also completed an Introduction to Building Services course which has helped me to see what is involved within the service and maintenance industry.

I have also completed a course in internal auditing and the Introduction to ISO 14001.

How do you think women can break into the FM industry?

The FM industry has regularly demonstrated its commitment to encouraging women to fulfil their potential and achieve rewarding careers. Artic fully endorse and embraces this commitment and does not discriminate against any workers within the industry.

Indeed, Artic actively encourage diversity within our workplace, ensuring personal growth, upskilling and career progression which is at the forefront of the company’s objectives. They have a history of employing field operatives of a female gender and currently employ Business Development and Account managers of a female gender.

Although a large percentage of the female roles are within the helpdesk and administration area, Artic encourages each person to immerse themselves in understanding plant and technical matters wherever possible. This is achieved through regular meetings with contract managers, attending client meetings and frequent shadowing of engineers during their working day within the field.

What does your future look like at Artic? Promotion? Self-development? Steady Career?

It is proven that female workers with Artic have the opportunity to broaden their skill sets and all have undertaken basic, practical building services training increasing to a level of completing BTEC National Qualifications in building services and engineering.

For me personally, I have the opportunity to develop into a number of roles including Operations Manager, Compliance Manager, Health and Safety Manager or Quality Assurance Manager.

However within Artic I fully acknowledge my career path is only limited to my personal aspirations and ability to learn and embrace the industry. I am really looking forward to what the future holds.