Three helpful ways for women to start an engineering career to help build a better world
WHEN it comes to engineering, could the best man for the job actually be a woman?
The sector is vital to the economy, employing 6.2million people.
Last year, a quarter of all UK job ads were for engineers, and experts predict a shortfall of up to a million engineering specialists by 2030, holding back economic growth and innovation.
Only one in six qualified engineers are women. But employing more female engineers would help make society work better for everyone.
Eleanor Eyre, of professional association Engineering UK, says: “For girls, showing them things that have been designed by and for men — such as seatbelts, construction equipment, smartphones and even the layout of concert venues — demonstrates that they can be part of a much-needed change to make society one that’s designed with everyone in mind.”
It is currently Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, with events in schools to highlight careers available.
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Other initiatives include the annual Young Woman Engineer awards from the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
New routes into engineering
YOU don’t necessarily need top grades in maths and physics to become an engineer.
It’s more important to have the ability to come up with creative solutions to problems.
Here are some helpful hints to start your engineering journey . . .
- University isn’t the only route. Hands-on vocational courses, such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and post-GCSE T levels, are also seen as strong.
- Enter school competitions like the British Science Week poster and the Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers contest.
- Amazon’s Future Engineer Bursary supports women A-level and BTEC/OCR students from low-income households studying computer science or related engineering courses at UK universities. See raeng.org.uk/amazon-future-engineer-bursary.
And Revolut’s Rev-Women in Engineering Grant offers up to £5,000 (revolut.com/internship-programme).
‘Brilliant minds’
Dr Laura Norton, from the IET, said: “Many people still don’t understand the work of engineers or appreciate how much society depends on their skills and innovation.
“We have a responsibility and opportunity to eliminate the damaging and misconceived stereotypes that currently threaten our industry.
So, it’s vital that we champion engineering careers to the next generation and show them just how exciting, creative and life-changing working in this sector can be.”
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Modern engineering careers now include AI and robotics, designing future cities, transport and green technology,
Dr Norton added: “Engineering is where we will find the solutions to the prominent problems of today and tomorrow, but we need more young and brilliant minds to help solve them.
“So it’s vital we champion engineering — a career which offers the opportunity to do something life, or even, world changing.”
- Find out more at tomorrows engineers.org.uk and youngwomen engineer.theiet.org.
ELECTRICAL engineering apprentice Erin Lowe is a finalist for the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s 2024 Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards.
The 19-year-old, from Worcester, who works for manufacturing specialist Yamazaki Mazak, said: “I used to think that engineering wasn’t a job for women until I completed my work experience with Mazak and saw other female apprentices, which made me feel confident that I could be an engineer.
“To take full advantage of the up-and-coming young talent, industry leaders need to devise attractive proposals that will help young people identify a future within the sector.
"Once someone can imagine themselves in the role, they are much more likely to apply.”
Jobspot
CDS SUPERSTORES, owner of The Range, is recruiting for almost 1,000 staff at its new Stowmarket Distribution Centre. Search for jobs at therange.co.uk/careers.
Ways to beat the bullies
IT’S Anti-Bullying Week – and while many believe the problem is something that happens at school, 36 per cent of workers also report falling victim.
Maria-Teresa Daher-Cusack, clinical development consultant at wellbeing service Health Assured, says: “Bullying in any form is not acceptable, in the workplace or anywhere else. If you think you are being bullied, reach out for support.”
Here she advises on what to do if you or a colleague are being picked on . . .
IDENTIFY WHAT IS HAPPENING: Bullying can take many forms, including face-to-face, email, phone and in online meetings. It may be disguised as “banter”, be unconscious bias or take a more indirect approach through rumour.
LOOK FOR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SIGNS: Exclusion of colleagues, dismissal of their efforts and minimising of their concerns could all be signs of bullying. Intimidation, unfair criticism and unpleasant remarks could also be considered so.
CHECK IF YOUR WORKPLACE HAS AN ANTI-BULLYING POLICY: This will outline what is not acceptable and the process to follow for reporting bullying.
KEEP A RECORD OF INCIDENTS: No matter how big or small they may seem, it helps when it comes to reporting the bullying and the subsequent investigation. Include dates, times and any witnesses.
RAISE IT WITH THE RIGHT PERSON: It may help to raise it informally with your manager first. If the perpetrator is your line manager, then taking it to HR or another leader in the business would be more appropriate.
IF YOU DO NOT FEEL READY TO REPORT IT: Talking to a friend or family member about your experiences may help you to feel less alone.
PUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH FIRST: Keep checking in with yourself on how you’re feeling, and reach out for help if you feel you need it. If you feel that the bullying is affecting your health, speak to your GP or therapist or make use of an employee assistance programme.
Nando's pathway
WING your way to the top with Nando’s. The chicken chain has launched a Level 5 apprenticeship, offering a pathway from entry level to managing director.
Certified by The Chartered Management Institute, the Pathway To Strategic Leadership course is equal to a foundation degree or HND.
William Smart, general manager of Nando’s in Kingsmead, Bath, and Level 5 apprentice, said: “I’ve worked at Nando’s for over five years, joining as a team member and now running my own restaurant. My apprenticeship helped develop my leadership skills and build confidence.”
Chief People Officer Maria Horn said: “We’re passionate about championing rewarding careers.”
Visit nandos.careers/our-roles/early-careers.
Ramsay's top jobs
DO YOU have what it takes to work with Gordon Ramsay? The celebrity chef has launched a recruitment drive to hire and train 300 staff to work at his biggest hospitality investment yet.
The firebrand cook is opening five culinary outlets on the top floors of Europe’s tallest office building, 22 Bishopsgate, in the City of London.
Jobs include waiters, chefs, night porters and reception staff. The new venues include Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, boasting 360° views and a roof terrace open for cocktails.
Gordon said: “This is a significant milestone. We’re not only launching the highest culinary experiences in London, but also creating a vibrant culinary hub at 22 Bishopsgate.
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"I can’t wait to share this unique dining experience with our guests.”
Apply – if you dare – at gordonramsayrestaurants.com/careers/internal-recruitment/22-bishopsgate.
Jobspot
FOOD chain Pret has jobs across the UK for team members, baristas and assistant managers. Search at pret.co.uk/en-GB/pret-jobs.