International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is a global initiative by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) which promotes the incredible contributions of women engineers worldwide and works towards breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of girls and young women.
This year, the theme is #TogetherWeEngineer.
The Current Trends
Women are still significantly underrepresented in engineering. In the UK, just 16.5% of engineers are women (EngineeringUK, 2024). We can see from statistics that it starts early and continues throughout education and career development.
- Women make up just 17% of students studying engineering and manufacturing in further education (UK Gov FE Stats, 2023).
- Only 21% of university undergraduates studying engineering and technology were women (HESA, 2023).
- In the 2022/23 academic year, only 9% of those starting engineering and manufacturing technologies apprenticeships were women.
- 47% of apprenticeship starts across all sectors were women, but their participation in STEM-related fields is disproportionately low.
- For STEM apprenticeships overall (including IT, construction, and engineering), women accounted for only 13.5% of starts.
NC Group and Women in Engineering
At NC Group, we see this imbalance first-hand. Women remain underrepresented among apprentices and HNC learners at our training academy, whilst delegates who attend our technical training courses across the UK also reflect this trend.
How Can We Drive Change?
There are many things we all can do to drive change:
Champion Role Models
We must share stories of women engineers, how they started, the challenges they faced, and the impact they are making. These stories encourage the next generation of girls into engineering roles.
Engage with Education Early
We must engage with schools, teachers, and parents on STEM careers from an early age. At NC Group, we are committed to supporting schools and colleges with career talks, course guidance, and practical career pathways.
Changing the Narrative
If we think about the toys children play with and the images used in STEM marketing, messages from an early age shape the career expectations and aspirations of young people. Using inclusive language, messaging, and diverse role models will change engineering into a space for everyone.
Accessible Pathways
Women need to feel that they can pursue a career in engineering. They need opportunities from a young age, inclusive training options, gender-balanced recruitment, and employers who value diversity.
Industry and Education Partnership
Employers, training providers, and educators must collaborate to make a difference. Through education outreach programmes and work placements, we can help inspire young women to pursue a career in engineering.
If your educational setting is interested in a visit from NC Group to encourage more young women, girls, and gender-diverse students to pursue engineering careers, please get in touch.
Let’s work together to inspire the next generation – contact 01388 737121 or email training@ncgroupltd.co.uk.
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