The number of female engineers needs to rise dramatically.
The proportion of female engineers has only risen by one percent in five years. Today six percent of engineers are female, compared to five percent in 2008. In the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector, there are around 350,000 women in the 1.7 million workforce. So the proportion of women is 21 percent, compared 48 percent in the rest of the working population. Said Semta chief executive Sarah Sillars OBE:” We need lots of exciting role models to inspire a future generation of female engineers and improve our talent pipeline. So we applaud The Institute of Engineering and Technology, and all the young women entering the competition who demonstrate that gender is no bar to high achievement in engineering. “Semta researched the barriers women face when entering the industry and found that a lack of confidence and female role models were particular issues that need to be addressed. So we launched our Career Advancement and Progression training programme to help maximise potential and encourage more women into the industry. With a severe skills shortage, companies who want to grow their business, need to consider how this innovative approach can help them tap into a rich vein of female talent. “
Around 1,300 women in leading engineering companies, such as Atkins, BAE System and Airbus, have benefitted from the programme, with well over half reporting they have taken on more responsibility (58 percent), while a fifth of participants (18 percent) moved to a new role. The vast majority of participating women (88 percent) said they have more confidence and self-belief since completing the programme. Said Mark Stewart, human resources director and Filton general manager for Airbus in the UK,:” It is vital that anyone who has an interest in a career in engineering does not allow their gender to stop them from following a rewarding and exciting career route. It is all about skills, not gender.
“There is a perception that engineering and manufacturing is a male-dominated profession, which can result in a loss of confidence with female engineers not achieving their full potential. The Semta programme has been vital in restoring confidence and helping women achieve their career goals within Airbus.” Sarah concluded: “With 82,000 engineers, scientists and technicians needed across the UK by 2016 to meet demand, women represent a significant untapped pool of talent to help fill skills gaps. Through our Career Advancement and Progression programme, and working closely with employers to tackle the root of the issue, we are determined to improve the gender gap in our industry.”
Backed by a nationally recognised qualification from awarding organisation EAL, the Semta Career Advancement and Progression programme helps women progress and become role models for others, and it helps companies identify any organisational barriers to female employees. The workshop programme helps women to analyse their current position and identify individual objectives for future progression. It also coaches participants to develop the skills and confidence to overcome specific gender behaviour traits.
