Verena Holmes
Encyclopedia
Verena Winifred Holmes (23 June 1889–20 February 1964) was a mechanical engineer and inventor, the first woman member elected to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
(1924), and a strong supporter of women in engineering.
Having wanted to be an engineer since childhood, Holmes studied at the Shoreditch Technical Institute and a technical college in Lincoln; she served as an apprentice form-fitter and drafter before graduation from Loughborough Engineering College in 1922. Her speciality was marine and locomotive engines; during World War II
she worked on naval weaponry. She held patents for 12 inventions for medical devices as well as engine components.
She was heavily involved in encouraging and supporting women in engineering; she served in several capacities in the Women's Engineering Society
(including president in 1930 and 1931), organised a training programme for women to work in munitions factories during World War II, founded an engineering firm that employed only women, created a register for young women seeking engineering positions, and wrote a book on the subject of training women in engineering.
The Women's Engineering Society continues to support the yearly Verena Holmes lecture, given at various venues across Britain to children aged 9 to 11 to encourage interest in engineering.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is the British engineering society based in central London, representing mechanical engineering. It is licensed by the Engineering Council UK to assess candidates for inclusion on ECUK's Register of professional Engineers...
(1924), and a strong supporter of women in engineering.
Having wanted to be an engineer since childhood, Holmes studied at the Shoreditch Technical Institute and a technical college in Lincoln; she served as an apprentice form-fitter and drafter before graduation from Loughborough Engineering College in 1922. Her speciality was marine and locomotive engines; during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
she worked on naval weaponry. She held patents for 12 inventions for medical devices as well as engine components.
She was heavily involved in encouraging and supporting women in engineering; she served in several capacities in the Women's Engineering Society
Women's Engineering Society
The Women's Engineering Society was founded in 1919 by women who worked as engineers during the first world war, found they enjoyed it, were good at it and didn't want to stop. WES was one of the very first organisations to champion women's right to non-traditional careers. The members have...
(including president in 1930 and 1931), organised a training programme for women to work in munitions factories during World War II, founded an engineering firm that employed only women, created a register for young women seeking engineering positions, and wrote a book on the subject of training women in engineering.
The Women's Engineering Society continues to support the yearly Verena Holmes lecture, given at various venues across Britain to children aged 9 to 11 to encourage interest in engineering.
External links
- http://www.oxforddnb.com/index/66/101066362/
- http://heritage.imeche.org/mechengtimeline
- http://www.wes.org.uk/content/verena-holmes-lecture