Women in engineering

Over 190 women have completed a training programme to help overcome barriers to career progression in the advanced manufacturing and engineering (AME) sector. The Women in Work programme ran through the first quarter of this year, and saw female employees from companies such as BAE Systems, Centrica and Atkins undertake training to give them the confidence to progress in what is perceived as a male dominated environment.

Semta delivered the project which was funded by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES). Of the 192 women who participated this year, 58% cited career progression as the key driver for embarking on the Women in Work training. Progressing into management was also an aspiration of 20% of the participants.

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Ann Watson, Chief Executive, Semta said, “Engineering UK report that between 2012 and 2022 engineering companies will need to recruit 2.56 million people, 257 000 of these will be needed to fill new vacancies. Nearly a third of the job openings are forecast to be filled by women, rising to half for all new jobs created in the sector, so getting girls taking STEM subjects and into industry is a top priority. Even then we have the challenge of getting more women into management positions, to become role models for others to follow in businesses where flexible working is seen as a positive rather than a burden.

“The women along with their employers who have taken advantage of the Women in Work funding and training have given overwhelmingly positive feedback. It is vital we have more women role models within the sector to mentor female colleagues and encourage more girls into STEM careers.”

Edited from press release by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/05052015/women-in-engineering/