Study highlights 'critical EDI challenges' in engineering and tech
20 Nov, 2024
The findings from the EngineeringUK workforce report has shed light on some critical challenges in achieving greater diversity and inclusion within the engineering and technology sectors.
These headline statistics highlight several key issues:
Declining female talent: The drop in women's representation from 16.5% to 15.7% in just a year, alongside the loss of around 38,000 women, underscores the urgent need for targeted initiatives to retain and attract female talent in the sector.
Underrepresentation of minority ethnic groups: While minority ethnic women show better representation in engineering and tech roles compared to their male counterparts, overall figures for minority ethnic workers remain below national averages, suggesting systemic barriers persist.
Barriers for disabled workers: With only 13.6% representation in engineering and tech roles compared to 18% across all occupations, individuals with disabilities face unique challenges that may hinder entry or retention in the sector.
Economic significance of the sector: Engineering and technology play a vital role in the UK economy, not only through their contribution to GDP but also by offering higher-than-average earnings. This reinforces the need to ensure these opportunities are accessible to a diverse workforce.
Workforce composition: Nearly 20% of the UK workforce is involved in engineering and technology, spanning various industries, demonstrating the breadth and importance of these roles.
Potential actions
These headline statistics highlight several key issues:
Declining female talent: The drop in women's representation from 16.5% to 15.7% in just a year, alongside the loss of around 38,000 women, underscores the urgent need for targeted initiatives to retain and attract female talent in the sector.
Underrepresentation of minority ethnic groups: While minority ethnic women show better representation in engineering and tech roles compared to their male counterparts, overall figures for minority ethnic workers remain below national averages, suggesting systemic barriers persist.
Barriers for disabled workers: With only 13.6% representation in engineering and tech roles compared to 18% across all occupations, individuals with disabilities face unique challenges that may hinder entry or retention in the sector.
Economic significance of the sector: Engineering and technology play a vital role in the UK economy, not only through their contribution to GDP but also by offering higher-than-average earnings. This reinforces the need to ensure these opportunities are accessible to a diverse workforce.
Workforce composition: Nearly 20% of the UK workforce is involved in engineering and technology, spanning various industries, demonstrating the breadth and importance of these roles.
Potential actions
To address these issues, the report's researchers say, efforts could focus on:
- Retention strategies: Developing flexible work environments and supportive policies to retain underrepresented groups, especially women.
- Education and outreach: Engaging diverse talent pools through targeted STEM education initiatives and outreach programmes.
- Barrier reduction: Identifying and mitigating obstacles faced by disabled workers and minority ethnic groups through policy changes, mentorship programmes, and accessibility improvements.
- Promoting inclusion: Establishing leadership accountability for diversity and inclusion and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Read the full report here. For more on women in engineering, click here.