In honour of Women in Engineering Day (June 23rd), we take a moment to celebrate the trailblazing women who have made groundbreaking contributions to the engineering and technology industries. From Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, to Hedy Lamarr, whose work laid the foundation for Wi-Fi and GPS, women have always been at the forefront of innovation and progress in engineering.
However, despite the pivotal role women have played in engineering, they remain significantly underrepresented in the industry. Only 16.9% of the engineering and technology workforce are women, compared to 56% in other sectors. This gender imbalance not only limits the diversity of thought but also restricts the potential for innovation and progress within the industry.
The Challenge of Diversity in Engineering and Technology
Beyond gender, other groups are also underrepresented in engineering and technology. Minority ethnic groups make up just 14% of the UK engineering workforce, compared to 18% in other occupations. Similarly, disabled people represent only 14% of the engineering and technology workforce, whereas they account for 19% of the total workforce across other industries.
This underrepresentation poses both a challenge and an opportunity. Diverse teams bring new perspectives, ideas, and solutions that drive innovation. A lack of diversity means the industry is missing out on creative breakthroughs and valuable contributions from groups that have been historically marginalised.
Why Inclusivity in Engineering Matters
Inclusivity is more than just having a mix of people; it’s about creating workplaces where individuals, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or disability status, feel empowered and valued. In the engineering sector, fostering an inclusive culture isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential for long-term growth and success.
Diversity and inclusivity in the engineering workforce lead to better problem-solving, more creativity, and ultimately more groundbreaking innovation. Embracing inclusivity strengthens the entire industry, making it more adaptable and resilient to future challenges.
Recruitment’s Role in Driving Diversity and Inclusivity
As a recruitment agency dedicated to connecting top-tier talent with engineering, security, and technology employers, we understand the importance of closing the diversity gap in these industries. It’s our mission to ensure recruitment processes are inclusive, talent-focused, and designed to attract skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Here’s how we can improve diversity and inclusivity in engineering recruitment:
Bias-Free Recruitment Processes: By removing unconscious bias in recruitment, we ensure that highly qualified candidates from all backgrounds are considered equally, leading to a more diverse workforce.
Fostering Inclusive Workplaces: Employers must prioritise the creation of environments where all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or ability—feel welcome and supported. This includes offering mentorship, promoting leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups, and ensuring accessible workspaces for disabled employees.
Mentorship and Development Programs: Offering mentorship programs for women, minority ethnic groups, and disabled professionals in engineering can help cultivate leadership skills and provide career progression opportunities, ensuring long-term success and equality.
Building a Diverse Future in Engineering and Technology
Encouraging more young people, particularly women and those from underrepresented groups, to pursue engineering and STEM careers is key to building a diverse and inclusive workforce for the future. This starts with education, providing mentorship, and ensuring equal access to resources for all aspiring engineers. By investing in diverse talent, we ensure a stronger and more innovative future for engineering.
As we celebrate Women in Engineering Day, let’s not just honour the achievements of women in engineering but also commit to creating a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative workforce. The future of engineering and technology depends on everyone having the opportunity to contribute, regardless of gender, background, or ability.
________________________________________
Join the Diversity Movement:
At Eligo we are committed to promoting diversity in engineering and inclusive recruitment. If you’re looking to join a diverse, inclusive workplace or if your organisation is ready to embrace inclusivity in engineering, contact us today. Together, we can create a future where talent from all backgrounds thrives.