Today is the eighth International Women in Engineering Day. Originally launched in the UK, it has grown year by year and is now being celebrated across the world including the USA, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Rwanda, Panama and many more countries making this a global celebration for women engineers.
The Day was created by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), a charity which started in 1919. During the First World War, many women had taken up engineering jobs and when the war ended, they still wanted to continue their careers in engineering.
The Day provides a clear call for women engineers to shape the world and help make our planet a better, safer, and more innovative place to be. It also provides an amazing opportunity for women engineers to shine and show what amazing career opportunities are available.
About WES
So what a great way to encourage girls and women into engineering careers than having an international day dedicated to women in engineering. The WES ensures equality for women within the sector and follow three main objectives:
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Women: To support women to achieve their potential as engineers, applied scientists and leaders, and to reward excellence.
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Education: To encourage and promote the education, study and application of engineering.
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Sustainability: To work with organisations and influencers to promote gender diversity and equality within the workplace and sustain the history and future effectiveness of the charity.
WES role models
Some of the most famous women engineers played invaluable roles in influencing the world that we live in.
Emily Roebling was an early champion for breaking the glass ceiling for women in STEM fields, she is best known for her contributions to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge which was completed in 1883.
Hedy Lamarr, best known for being a star of the silver screen in the 1930s and ‘40s, Lamarr shattered stereotypes. Using engineering acumen ahead of her time, she invented a remote-controlled communication system for the US military. This frequency-hopping theory essentially serves as the basis for today’s communication technology.
So, from building our most recognisable bridges to creating products that save lives, women engineers often do not get the credit that they deserve. Engineering has been a largely male dominated industry and women have had to overcome obstacles and break through discriminatory barriers.
Raising awareness
The idea behind International Women in Engineering Day is to encourage groups, including governmental, educational, corporate, the press, and even parents to organise events and activities. This is to help raise awareness and show how engineering is an exciting career choice for women and girls. In 2020 the campaign recorded a reach of over 103 million and was trending on Twitter along with doubling their Instagram followers, receiving messages of support from the royal family, Rolls Royce, the UK space agency, and NASA!
Here at Skillnet we pride ourselves on equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of all of our learners, but today we are especially proud of all our women learners who are currently completing their apprenticeships in engineering.
Women engineers at Skillnet
We interviewed one of our female higher engineering apprentices, who gives us her views and opinions about women in engineering.
What made you decide to do an apprenticeship?
“For years I had thought that I was going to full-time university like everyone around me; in fact, I didn’t even know that apprenticeships were an option until 6th form. When I saw the opportunity to become a degree apprentice with Ford, I figured I would take it, since it meant no student debt, work experience, and I would still get my degree. I also know that I learn best by doing, so a blend of working and learning would greatly benefit me. Almost one year later, I am very glad that I am here!”
Were you aware of International Women in Engineering Day?
“Not before this interview. I’m sure that I would have come across it at some point, but there isn’t much (or rather, enough) importance and promotion given to the Day to celebrate the achievements and importance of women in this field. I hope that in the future it will be a day that is on more people’s minds, especially young people looking to become engineers themselves. Personally, I’ll be looking out for it every year from now on.”
Do you think that enough support is given to women who want to go into engineering?
“Short answer: no. Long answer: things have definitely improved over the past couple of decades, but I still don’t think we’re there yet. Not only are many young girls actively discouraged from pursuing interests deemed to be ‘masculine’ or ‘too technical’, but a lot are also under the impression that engineering doesn’t require the same creativity and flair for design that a lot of other sectors (such as fashion) do. The fact is that engineering does require those things, and it is also such a large industry that there are few things it doesn’t cross into – almost anyone with any interest can shift into some form of engineering if they please.”
Do you have any advice for women who want to start out within the sector?
“Honestly, just go for it. There is no guarantee that you won’t have your challenges, but a lot of women are already flourishing in the field and if that is what you want, there’s no reason not to try your best to achieve that goal. More and more companies understand the importance of a diverse workforce (including gender diversity) and are putting measures in place to attract female engineers. There are even government schemes, educational bursaries, and competitions to enter for women of all ages and stages. If you look (and work) for the opportunities, they’ll absolutely come.”
What do you think Skillnet could do to make sure that we as a company and individuals can give women more support within the sector?
“Even in my limited experience with Ford and Skillnet, I really appreciate the fact that there’s already a female engineering network, and female mentors to guide us. I would say that having more monthly events (even online), and chances to meet others like us would be amazing. Perhaps when it is safe to do so, some networking and social events could be held in person.”
Have you ever come across any negativity towards being a woman and working within the sector?
“I’ve been very fortunate in the sense that I was actively encouraged to pursue engineering once I showed an interest in it, which was when I was about 14/15. I was privileged as my school gave me many opportunities and a lot of guidance from the get-go. Having gone to a girl’s secondary school, I wasn’t really hit with the gender disparities until 6th form. Whilst I’ve never faced any direct negativity for being a woman in STEM, I did notice a lot of passive negativity in the media, from strangers, or from others my age. It can be difficult because for a while I felt extra pressure to be even better than those around me, just to stand out or be worthy of the same opportunities.”
Finally, what are your long-term goals?
“Whatever I do in my career, I have always known that my aim is to help people, especially those who are at a disadvantage in the world. I will likely end up using my engineering knowledge to achieve that at some point. Still, I’m not sure exactly where my career will take me, especially since I still have at least three more years as an apprentice. However, I aim to keep working hard and I hope that I will become the best engineer that I can be.”