NWED case study: Sue Kershaw, director of rail at CH2M

Sue Kershaw is director of rail for CH2M and works on the management of the company’s rail portfolio in the European region, comprising major projects, mainline rail, urban rail, metro and mass transit, rolling stock and rail systems. 

With over 25 years of experience in engineering Kershaw has worked across the world on major infrastructure projects. Prior to joining CH2M she held a variety of senior roles in the engineering sector including the director of programme management for Grosvenor Britain and Ireland (GBI) and deputy director of transport for the Olympic Delivery Authority where she was responsible for all rail and road transport for the Games.

Kershaw is a strong advocate of promoting women in engineering through her work in cross-industry groups such as the Women's Engineering Society. She is also a member of the London Enterprise Panel, London infrastructure Board and the London construction skills steering group as well as a board member of the Association for Project Management.

Commenting on National Women in Engineering Day, Kershaw said: “National Women in Engineering Day is incredibly important in promoting the opportunities for women in the sector. Currently women make up less than ten per cent of the engineering workforce and this needs to change. With another million engineers needed in the next five years to deliver major UK infrastructure projects the industry needs to look at how it can attract more women to help plug this skills gap and build a resilient and diverse workforce.”