UK Industry Groups Collaborate to Support Women in Engineering and Manufacturing

In recognition of International Women in Engineering Day on June 23, 2024, a coalition of organizations from the STEM industries has come together to pledge support for women in UK engineering and manufacturing. This initiative emerged from a roundtable discussion hosted by Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, a charity dedicated to bridging skills gaps in the sector.

Collaborative Efforts for Change

The roundtable, attended by representatives from various organizations including the Construction Inclusion Coalition, Energy & Utility Skills, the Women’s Engineering Society, the Women in Sustainability Network, and the Women’s Utilities Network, was chaired by Karen Boswell OBE, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland. Boswell, a long-time advocate for diversity and inclusion, led discussions on the pressing challenges women face in these fields.

A recent study by Engineering UK highlighted a concerning trend: the percentage of women in engineering and technology roles has declined from 16.5% to 15.7% over the past year, with many women leaving the workforce between the ages of 35 and 44. This underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to enhance gender diversity and retention.

Key Themes for Collaboration

Participants agreed on several key themes for their collaborative efforts:

  1. Communication Campaign for Attraction: The group plans to create a robust communication strategy to share inspiring stories from women in engineering. By leveraging platforms like TikTok and other social media, they aim to engage young women and showcase the diverse career paths available in the sector. They invite women to share their experiences to inspire future generations.
  2. Leadership and Culture for Retention: Emphasizing the role of leadership in fostering inclusive workplaces, the group aims to highlight the importance of supportive organizational cultures. By sharing success stories of female leaders, they hope to promote mentorship and create an environment where women can thrive and advance in their careers.
  3. System/Policy Changes Needed from the Government: The coalition will advocate for government policy changes to bolster gender diversity in engineering and manufacturing. With the upcoming General Election, they emphasize the need for skills and education policies that facilitate career progression for women. Collaboration with policymakers is seen as crucial for driving systemic change.

A Call for Action

Ann Watson remarked, “Encouraging more women to enter and stay in the UK engineering and manufacturing sector is vital for closing skills gaps. International Women in Engineering Day serves as a reminder that we must continue our efforts to promote diverse talent in these fields.”

She added, “Through collaboration, we can make significant strides toward greater inclusivity and representation. By uniting diverse voices and experiences, we aim to empower women at all career stages and pave the way for a more equitable future in engineering and manufacturing.”

This initiative marks a significant step toward transforming the landscape for women in these industries, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued as essential to the UK’s economic growth and innovation.

Future Implications for the Sector

The partnership among these organizations signifies a collective commitment to addressing the systemic issues that hinder women’s participation in engineering and manufacturing. By focusing on attracting and retaining female talent, the initiative not only aims to bridge the gender gap but also to enhance the overall performance of the sector.

Building a Supportive Network

As part of this initiative, the coalition plans to establish a support network for women in engineering and manufacturing. This network will facilitate mentorship opportunities, offer resources for career development, and create forums for sharing experiences and challenges. By fostering connections among women in the industry, the coalition hopes to build a community that encourages collaboration and empowerment.

Addressing Industry Needs

The efforts also reflect the broader needs of the UK manufacturing and engineering sectors, which face skills shortages and increasing demand for innovation. By promoting gender diversity, the industry can tap into a wider talent pool, driving creativity and problem-solving capabilities that are essential for future growth.

Encouraging Long-Term Change

The focus on systemic change also involves ongoing dialogue with educational institutions to ensure that curricula are designed to encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. By integrating gender diversity into education and training programs, the industry can lay the groundwork for a more balanced workforce.

The coalition’s commitment to empowering women in engineering and manufacturing is a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. As these organizations work together to implement their strategies, they not only aim to inspire the next generation of female engineers but also to create a sustainable environment where women can thrive in their careers.

By addressing both the attraction and retention of women in these critical sectors, the UK can move closer to achieving gender parity, ultimately benefiting the economy and enhancing innovation across industries. The initiative serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring women in engineering and manufacturing, signaling that change is not only possible but actively underway.


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