Engineering news
A major barrier to closing this skills gap is that women and minority groups are significantly underrepresented, however. Despite women outnumbering men as students at bachelor’s and master’s level, only 35% of STEM graduates across the UK are female. This number drops dramatically in the most rapidly growing STEM fields, such as engineering and technology, and computer sciences, where 19% of the graduates are female.
The latest 3M State of Science Index research shows that 88% of people believe women are a source of untapped STEM potential, so getting more women and girls into STEM is crucial if we are to address the challenges of today, and of the future.
The crucial role of business
Businesses have a responsibility to encourage more underrepresented groups into STEM-related roles. Whether it be scholarships for disadvantaged groups, or schemes that target underrepresented groups, businesses who rely on a steady talent pipeline of STEM students need to do their bit.
By investing in scholarship schemes, as well as ‘speed networking’ careers events at schools and higher education establishments that target women and girls, businesses can start to attract talent at a crucial time in their development. Interest is often sparked in the classroom, and these tangible experiences often have the most impact.
New role models
The importance of role models cannot be underestimated. Careers are often sparked by recognisable and successful people to look up to.
Research from Microsoft showed that girls’ interest in STEM careers almost doubled when they had visible role models to aspire to, so we need to showcase the stories of positive female role models in STEM.
Whether in the corporate world or the science lab, diversity drives innovation and successful thinking. Without this thinking, bias can limit progress. We need women in STEM to not only bridge the skills gap, but to benefit scientific discovery and society more broadly.
The goal of positive role model promotion is twofold – create more opportunities for ground-breaking discoveries, and help ensure a steady pipeline of talent that represents the society it serves.
‘Smashing Stereotypes’
Occupational stereotypes still hinder the lack of diversity we see in STEM. The recent 3M State of Science Index research revealed that over a third (37%) of people who are not currently in STEM have considered a career in the industry, but were put off by bias, self-doubt and lack of representation.
Despite the huge strides that we’ve taken as a society to combat outdated notions, they are persistent and require active efforts from those who have the most influence across the industry.
British Science Week, the annual celebration of science hosted by the British Science Association, held the “Smashing Stereotypes” campaign, which profiled scientists and engineers from 3M and other partner organisations to show the diversity of the workforce and help banish the ‘lone-working, white, male genius stereotype.’ By subverting these outdated notions and championing women and girls in STEM, we can begin to tackle these hurdles that stifle the success of the industry.
To close the digital skills gap, which poses huge challenges to the success of the UK’s digital economy, the issue of gender needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Businesses and classrooms need to provide ample opportunities for young women and girls to experience what a STEM career might look like for them. Without that, we risk being ill-prepared for the increasingly complex economic and environmental challenges that the UK will face in coming years, and risk missing great ideas that could lead to ground-breaking innovation in the future.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.