Cathy Newman to host SOE Women in Engineering event

Panellists from across the engineering world will convene in London to discuss the role of schools in promoting positive messages about modern engineering and career opportunities within engineering-related sectors.

Cathy said: “When I was writing my book Bloody Brilliant Women, I became aware of so many pioneering women in so many different fields who transformed Britain. One of my favourites was the aeronautical engineer Beatrice Shilling, without whom it’s fair to say the UK probably wouldn’t have won the Battle of Britain. Her biographer said it was easier for a woman to become a lion tamer than an engineer. Now it’s probably the other way around, but women still face many hurdles, so I’m glad to participate in an event which encourages more female engineers.” 

Attracting more women into engineering

On the panel to debate how to attract more women into engineering are Chief Executive of Semta, Ann Watson, SOE Lead for Women in Engineering, Amanda Foster and Pauline Dawes, CEO/Founder of Somi Trailers and winner of the 2017 UK Women in Innovation Award. They will be joined by SOE Patron Sir John Parker, Nada Issa, Senior Mechanical Engineer at chapmanbdsp and Pamela Wilson, Engineering Manager at BAE Systems. Polly Williams, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Royal Academy of Engineering will also be on the panel, as will Dani Rathke, PCV Engineer and IRTEC Assessor.

Ann Watson said: “The engineering sector currently needs around 60,000 young people to become engineers and technicians every year. Attracting as many women into engineering careers as men would add £2bn to the UK economy but we still have a long way to go – as both educators and employers – to show women that they can be great engineers and are desperately needed to solve today’s big societal challenges such as climate change. The sector needs more “girly swots” and it is incumbent on all of us to make this happen. This event continues the movement towards equality in engineering.” 

Bruce McGill, SOE Chief Executive, said: “We are approaching a time of significant technological progression in the UK and the demand for engineering skill sets has never been greater. Now is a great time to join the profession, but the sector needs much greater diversity to thrive and that means changing the narrative that says engineering is more suited to men. 

“In order to take the necessary steps towards greater inclusion we have brought industry-leaders to this event to find some real solutions to this ongoing problem that the industry faces. We will hear from experts who are making a real difference increasing the number of women in the UK’s engineering workforce,” added Bruce.

Members of the audience will be encouraged to participate in the discussion, which will address the business case for a diverse workforce and how to promote a culture of inclusion. 

Making the business case for a diverse workforce

The panel will debate the need for rebranding engineering careers and correcting the misconceptions that have damaged the industry and continue to create barriers to entry for young women. 

Sir John Parker, an advocate of campaigns for increased diversity in engineering and architect of The Parker Review – a report showing a lack of gender and ethnic minority representation at FTSE 100 companies, said: “In my experience as a chair of a number of boards I have come to appreciate the value of utilising all the talents and the wisdom of a diverse board and the enriched debate that emerges from diversity in the board room including ethnic diversity.”

Sir John told SOE how diversity in the board room has helped organisations reach crucial decisions. Events like this, John said, will help generate further conversations and make engineering a more popular career choice for young women.

The event begins with lunch and networking at 11.30am before the panel starts at 12pm. A Q&A session will take place at 1.45pm and the event will close at 2.15pm. 

For more information about the event, or to register your interest to attend, go to: soe.org.uk/events/women-in-engineering-panel-discussion.html