International Women in Engineering Day
International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated on June 23rd each year to recognise the achievements of women in engineering and to encourage more girls and young women to consider engineering as a career.
As the field continues to evolve, there will be even more opportunities for women to make their mark. Women are already making significant contributions to engineering, and their impact is only going to grow in the years to come.
Women have made significant progress in the engineering field in recent years. In 2022, women made up 16.5% of the engineering workforce in the United Kingdom. Even though this seems low, this has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In 2010, women made up only 10.5% of the engineering workforce. There are many reasons why more women are choosing to pursue engineering careers. One reason is that there are now more opportunities for women in engineering than ever before. There are more women-friendly companies, more female role models, and more resources available to help women succeed in engineering. Another reason for the increase in women in engineering is that the field itself is changing. Engineering is no longer just about building bridges and skyscrapers. It is now a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from computer science to environmental engineering. This diversity of opportunities makes engineering a more appealing field for women.
If you are a young woman who is interested in engineering, there are many resources available to help you get started. Here are a few of the most helpful resources:
CAVA’s Communication and Events Officer spoke to two women who have previously studied the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) at City College Norwich to discuss their experiences within Engineering. They stated that despite their classmates being predominantly men, it felt that women often performed better as they could process the information from a different perspective, often proving beneficial. They enjoyed focusing on different areas of engineering, however Mechanical Engineering was the most exciting and enjoyable Their top piece of advice to women considering going into this field was, “Don’t be afraid, believe in yourself and just go for it!” ’ Both women spoken to have gone on to study at the University of East Anglia and are studying Maths. Thank you to both women who gave up their time. Everyone at CAVA wishes you the best with the rest of your studies.
The Future of Women in Engineering
Women have made significant progress in the engineering field in recent years. In 2022, women made up 16.5% of the engineering workforce in the United Kingdom. Even though this seems low, this has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In 2010, women made up only 10.5% of the engineering workforce. There are many reasons why more women are choosing to pursue engineering careers. One reason is that there are now more opportunities for women in engineering than ever before. There are more women-friendly companies, more female role models, and more resources available to help women succeed in engineering. Another reason for the increase in women in engineering is that the field itself is changing. Engineering is no longer just about building bridges and skyscrapers. It is now a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from computer science to environmental engineering. This diversity of opportunities makes engineering a more appealing field for women.
Resources for Young Women Interested in Engineering
If you are a young woman who is interested in engineering, there are many resources available to help you get started. Here are a few of the most helpful resources:
- Access to HE Diploma (Engineering): A level 3 qualification designed for adults to gain a recognised route into university.
- Mentors: Find a mentor who can help you explore the field of engineering and provide guidance and support. The Women’s Engineering Society has a range of women who could be mentors, including their President, Dame Dawn Childs DBE FREng.
- Scholarships: There are many scholarships available to help women pay for college and university. Get in touch with your institution’s Student Finance Team to find out more.
- Summer programs: There are many summer programs that can help you learn about different engineering disciplines and gain hands-on experience.
Access to HE Diploma (Engineering)
CAVA’s Communication and Events Officer spoke to two women who have previously studied the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) at City College Norwich to discuss their experiences within Engineering. They stated that despite their classmates being predominantly men, it felt that women often performed better as they could process the information from a different perspective, often proving beneficial. They enjoyed focusing on different areas of engineering, however Mechanical Engineering was the most exciting and enjoyable Their top piece of advice to women considering going into this field was, “Don’t be afraid, believe in yourself and just go for it!” ’ Both women spoken to have gone on to study at the University of East Anglia and are studying Maths. Thank you to both women who gave up their time. Everyone at CAVA wishes you the best with the rest of your studies.
