IWD Spotlight: Simone Williams
To mark International Women’s Day, we’re continuing to highlight the women contributing to the industrial services and protective coatings sectors.
We’re thrilled to feature Simone Williams, Training Coordinator at KAEFER UK & Ireland. Simone works closely with our team and played a key role in coordinating the QCA assessments at KAEFER towards the end of last year, helping ensure everything ran smoothly for the candidates involved.
We spoke with Simone about her journey into the industrial sector, the experiences she’s had along the way, and the advice she would give to other women considering a career in the industry.
Q. Can you tell us about your journey into the industrial sector? What inspired you to pursue this career path?
A. It wasn’t a straight line, but it was the right one. I was drawn to the scale, the complexity, and the fact that industrial services matter. At KAEFER UK & Ireland, we keep critical infrastructure running, and that real-world impact is something that appealed to me from the start. There’s no fluff in this sector – just real problems, real pressure, and real impact.
Q. Have you faced any challenges as a woman in this industry, and how have you overcome them?
A. Of course. I’ve often been one of the few women in the room. It teaches you quickly that preparation matters, know the numbers, understand the operation, and deliver consistently. Over time, I realised the goal wasn’t to fit the mould. Different perspectives strengthen teams, and if there isn’t a seat at the table yet, sometimes you just have to pull up a chair.
Q. How has the industry changed in terms of gender diversity since you started?
A. It’s shifting, slowly, but meaningfully. More women are stepping into operational and leadership roles, and diversity is increasingly seen as a performance driver, not just a talking point. Progress? Yes. Finished? Not even close.
Q. What advice would you give to women considering a career in the industrial services industry?
A. Back yourself. Build technical confidence. Find mentors. Remember, this sector needs sharp, resilient thinkers. Do it!
A huge thank you to Simone for sharing her experiences and insight with us. It’s great to hear from women working in the industry and to learn more about their journeys and perspectives. We really appreciate her time and the continued collaboration with the KAEFER team.
