Katja Srbljanin EngTech MIMechE is a Senior Technical Communications Engineer in Technical Data Services at Siemens, Aero-Derivative Gas Turbines (AGT) in Warwick. She did an apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce and then got a first class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham City University.
Katja has over 7 years’ experience at Siemens AGT, formerly Rolls-Royce Energy, and has led several key projects within Technical Data Services that have had a substantial impact on the business. She supported an intense training programme for a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Langfang, China, establishing the first Chinese authorised overhaul venture, supporting the validation of technical documentation, tooling and resolving any engineering issues. She led a project on the introduction of a new tool on an engineering build that removed a critical health and safety hazard where she designed, modelled and tested the tool and it has since been manufactured for all facilities.
Katja enjoys mentoring the apprentices within in her department: “I understand the importance of imparting knowledge to support their growth, sharing both experience and knowledge.” She is on the Siemens Warwick STEM committee which sets the STEM strategy and coordinates events in the local community and schools, including Siemens Innovation Month. “Encouraging and engaging young people with STEM is something I am particularly passionate about. Work experience or hearing about the workplace first hand is essential if they are going to choose engineering careers. It is important to communicate with young people, but also parents to challenge the stereotypes.”
She was thrilled to win this prize and intends to use the prize money to provide resources for the Siemens STEM group. “The money will help support these events so that we can continue to build strong links with our local community and inspire more young people into STEM careers.”
“I also work closely with Birmingham City University to promote their engineering course, and have been involved in film campaigns for Women in Engineering,” Katja explains. “I really believe that diversity in the workplace is important. Different genders, ages and backgrounds lead to a more innovative workforce, and ultimately better business performance.”
Looking forward Katja wants to expand her product knowledge through training courses, work placements and project management. “Within five years I want to have expanded my technical ability, to be Chartered and be managing significant engineering programmes within the business.”
Katja is delighted to be the Institution’s first EngTech of the year. “I would like to thank Siemens for their support in my career, my studies and my volunteer work. Without this support I wouldn’t have been able to devote as much time and effort into promoting STEM and seeing the influence that we have been able to have on our local community. I am also exceptionally thankful to the IMechE to be offered this award and recognition which will ultimately help me to continue doing what I enjoy and help make a difference to young people.”
Read about all the awards recognised at the Vision Awards