New research shows the proportion
of women in engineering roles has
remained static since 2008 while the
proportion of female technicians has
also remained unchanged.

The survey, published by the IET
(Institution of Engineering and
Technology), shows that only 6% of
engineers (5% in 2008) and 3% of
technicians (5% in 2008) are
women.

Paul Davies, head of policy at the
IET said: “It is disappointing that no
progress has been made to attract
more women into engineering over
the last four years. Part of the reason
is down to the outdated views of
engineering that many people have.

“We run a number of initiatives
to challenge these perceptions. It is
not a problem that can be sorted out
quickly or in isolation. There are
actions the government can take in
terms of support; the profession can
do more to co-ordinate its activities;
and organisations can do more to
provide an attractive working
environment.”
The survey also shows that 47%
of the companies questioned plan to
recruit this year.However, of those
recruiting, 48% are struggling to find
senior engineers to fill vacancies.

Figures suggest employers are
beginning to experience a potentially
serious skills shortage.