Imagine stepping into the world of engineering; what do you envision? An outdated stereotype might paint the picture of an all-male domain in a grungy setting, but reality tells a different tale.
Nowadays, the engineering industry is seeing a notable influx of brilliant female minds breaking barriers and debunking stereotypes.
In 2021, data showed that 16.5% of engineers and 26.6% of the core STEM workforce were women. This is a significant surge despite the impact of the global pandemic. This trend adds a fresh perspective to the engineering domain, diversifying the ecosystem of ideas and solutions.
The case for gender diversity in engineering
Whilst the ratio of women in engineering stands at a mere 16%, it’s an encouraging stride towards gender parity. Businesses that foster gender diversity are observed to outperform those that don’t, making informed decisions that catalyse growth. Therefore, aiming for an equal gender ratio in the workforce isn’t just an equality goal, but a strategic business decision.
Engineering is a fast-developing industry and accounts for a significant chunk of industries and roles, serving as a critical pillar of the UK economy. However, the UK is currently facing a shortage of skilled engineers, needing an estimated 1.8 million engineers by 2025. An influx in women in engineering could help bridge the gap.
That said, the goal is to balance the scale, rather than tip it. Hiring women over men would simply flip the problem on its head and still lead to inequality. It’s about providing equal opportunities to everyone regardless of who they are and their background.
Overcoming the main hurdles
So what can be done to ensure we continue to see an increase in women in the engineering sector?
To truly foster an inclusive environment in engineering, we must ensure equal treatment across the board, not just equal numbers.
Persistent challenges like the gender pay gap remain a hurdle, with the engineering sector reporting an 11.4% pay gap in 2020. Though favourable compared to the 17.3% UK-wide pay gap, it’s still an issue demanding attention. Additionally, women engineers often face an unfair comparison with their male counterparts, sometimes experiencing underutilisation of their skills.
Advice for aspiring engineers and inclusive employers
If you’d like to become a female engineer, here are some tips to help you get the upper hand against the competition and solidify your place in this dynamic field.
- Embrace flexibility: Engineering accounts for 26% of the workforce – a statistic that hints at how broad this sector of work is. Mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, and biomedical engineers are just a few of the plethora of jobs that you can sink your teeth into. The right opportunity might be where you least expect it.
- Be confident in your abilities: Don’t doubt what you can do, but cultivate a can-do attitude. Stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow your skills and your confidence. It will put you above the competition!
- Seize learning opportunities: In the fast-paced world of engineering, stay ahead of the curve by embracing opportunities to enhance your skills and stay updated with technological advancements.
- Seek advice: It’s not a weakness to ask for help. It’s a huge strength. Identifying where you need guidance and actively searching for it will help you build your skill set within your career. Whether you’re embarking on your engineering journey or are well-established, never hesitate to seek advice and continue learning.
- Break through the stigma: Don’t let stereotypes deter you from your passion. If engineering sparks your curiosity, pursue it relentlessly and showcase your talents.
- Champion other women: Finally, make sure that you support fellow female engineers and celebrate their achievements. When fighting against stigmas and stereotypes, it can feel like no one has your back. By helping other women in engineering succeed, you can begin to build a more inclusive workplace within the engineering sector.
For employers looking to foster inclusivity, take note of these challenges and actively work towards creating a more balanced and equal work environment. Remember, your workforce’s diversity will be a driving factor in your business’s growth and success.
