Jo Stamp: Proving heavy lifting isn’t just a man’s job

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Ahead of International Women in Engineering Day 2018, FLG Service Centre Manager, Jo Stamp, has revealed why heavy lifting was the only career for her.

Jo Stamp, a Grimsby Service Centre Manager at FLG Services, has worked in the heavy lifting industry for almost three decades.

In 1989, Jo began as a Hire Controller at the age of 19 and took on her first management role just 10 years later.

On a typical work day, Jo visits a range of petro chemical and construction sites and helps customers determine which equipment is suitable for their applications.

Jo said: “When I was 19, I came across an advert for a position with a lifting firm in Grimsby and it was there that I developed the heavy lifting bug.

“I love lifting and can’t imagine my life without it. From hectic shutdown demands, which require late nights and weekend work, to assessing equipment on fairgrounds, or attending construction and engineering workshops, I enjoy it all.

“I believe it is this passion that has kept me in the industry and given me the drive to get me to where I am today.”

Jo has now gained certificates with The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association and I also attends regular training days with manufacturers to improve her knowledge.

She added: “Although it was rare to see a woman working in the industry in the 1980s, I can honestly say this didn’t present any obstacles for me.

“With a name like Jo, I could tell when I went to see a new customer they sometimes thought they were getting a male turning up to site, as they had confused my name with ‘Joe.’

“I never felt I was being treated differently because I was female and I’ve always felt part of the team.”

Jo has said she has noticed a steady increase of women entering the industry over the years and says as long as people are passionate about what they want to do, they can achieve their goals.

She said: “Remember that passion is paramount.

“If you’re not passionate about what you do, you will not achieve your goals.”