Women mustn’t fear a career as an engineer – you can really make it in a thriving industry
SUNDAY is International Women in Engineering Day, aiming to encourage more girls to enter the profession.
Despite an average starting salary of £27,000 and one in ten engineers on a six-figure salary, just 12 per cent of UK engineers are female.
The sector is vital to the UK economy, contributing 26 per cent of GDP.
But figures from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) show an annual shortfall of 59,000 engineers.
Girls now outperform boys in all STEM A-levels — science, technology, engineering and maths — except chemistry.
Companies are 15 per cent more likely to perform better if they are gender diverse, so the annual event is aimed at plugging this skill gap.
Dawn Childs, president of the Women’s Engineering Society, says: “There are still far too few women who even understand what engineering is let alone choose to become an engineer.
“This year our theme is #TransformTheFuture.
“We want to transform the future by encouraging women to start a career in engineering, or by supporting them to thrive in their current engineering career.
“But we will also be transforming the future of much more with the engineering they do”.
Small stresses
WHEN it comes to looking after staff, small does not always mean beautiful.
A study reveals 82 per cent of small and medium businesses do not have a health and wellbeing strategy in place.
Two-thirds of staff at smaller firms experience stress or anxiety related to their job, with nearly half saying they continue to “power through” even when ill.
But half of employees reckon they would feel less stressed – and two-fifths say they would see an improvement in productivity – if a wellbeing strategy was introduced.
The study was commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare.
CEO Tracy Garrad said: “The reality is small businesses make up more than half the UK’s workforce and their employees are crying out for greater support.”
Jobspot
AP SECURITY is hiring staff for festivals and events across the UK.
Send your CV to hr@apsecurity.co.uk or visit apsecurity.co.uk/recruitment.
High power job
NUCLEAR engineering firm Assystem needs to fill up to 400 jobs in the UK.
The Lancashire-based outfit is seeking staff for jobs at EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C power plant in Somerset.
Roles include quality assurance, quality lead, manufacturing surveillance, project administration, doc control, and audit programme co-ordination.
Tom Jones, Vice President International Business Development, says: “An increasing need for electricity from consumers, combined with a move further towards decarbonisation, means that nuclear power forms an integral part of the UK’s energy strategy and will be increasingly important in the coming years.”
Apply at jobs.assystem.com/en/
Jobspot
RESTAURANT chain Wagamama has 176 jobs on offer including waiting staff, chefs and managers.
Work likes a dog
A FEW years ago, you’d be considered barking if you asked to take your dog to work, but now many firms encourage it.
Today is Bring Your Dog To Work Day so we’ve teamed up with Mark Ross, of Vets Now, to take the lead on how dogs in the office can help staff.
Mark said: “I’d encourage any company considering a dog-friendly office to give it a go.” And here’s why . . .
- HEALTH: Studies show petting a dog lowers a person’s heart rate. Dog owners have lower cholesterol and fewer trips to the doctors.
- WELLBEING: Caring for a dog helps relieve symptoms of depression and encourages people to be more positive.
- PRODUCTIVITY: Short breaks to walk dogs will help staff’s state of mind and productivity. Pets are great at inspiring people, meaning staff work more collaboratively.
- BALANCE: Not worrying about leaving their pet at home means staff can work longer hours when needed.
- MORALE: Having dogs in the office keeps spirits high, and there’s nothing like a little puppy love to add some fun.
- See bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk.
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