International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the contributions of women in the field of engineering and science, and the impact their work has on shaping the world.
With so many women breaking down barriers, it’s time to inspire the next generation to get into a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).
Here we explain why women should consider a career in engineering and how the choices we make in school can set you on the right path to get there.
Why should women get into engineering?
Women play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering and science.
From designing the next generation of sustainable energy systems to developing new technologies for healthcare, women engineers are involved in creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.
While there have been significant strides in increasing female representation in STEM, there is still much work to be done. According to research, just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are women.
Encouraging more girls to study STEM subjects and enter the exciting engineering field can help to increase diversity and bring new perspectives into the industry.
How can women get into STEM careers?
T Levels and apprenticeships are helping to support women into STEM careers, providing them with access to practical and hands-on training opportunities. By equipping women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we can encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM and bring innovation to the forefront of these key sectors.
T Levels are technical courses, taken after GCSEs and equivalent in size to three A Levels. They’re a brilliant option for young people looking to combine study with a nine-week industry placement, allowing you to gain valuable work experience and industry-specific training. There are lots of STEM T Level options, including Engineering & Manufacturing, and Science.
How can T Levels help get you a career in engineering?
Daisy, pictured, is studying a T Level in Design Engineering and is due to start an industry placement where she will help design and manufacture surgical equipment.
Daisy chose to do a T Level due to it being a practical course with the opportunity to do a work placement.
“I’m doing a T level because I am more of a hands-on and visual learner rather than learning from books,” she said.
“On this course, we have been taken on many visits and tours and I have noticed how male-dominated the STEM workplace might be. It’s made me realise that more female engineers are needed as we can add different perspectives, different ideas, different experiences.”
Also studying a T Level in Design Engineering is Mia. Mia is keen to follow up her T Level with an engineering apprenticeship in the theme park industry so she can fulfil her dreams of becoming a roller coaster designer.
“I chose to do a T Level in Design Engineering as it gives you the academic side of what you would get in an A Level whilst also getting a real insight into what the industry is like,” Mia said.
“I’ve had an interest in rollercoasters since I was young, and in year six, I decided I wanted to do engineering. My college has helped me realise that my love for engineering and rollercoasters could be paired together - the T Level will help me on my course to become a rollercoaster designer.”
How do I sign up for a T Level or apprenticeship?
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, it’s essential that we continue to support and encourage women to pursue careers in STEM fields. By creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that values the contributions and perspectives of women, we can inspire the next generation of engineers and create a better, more equitable world for all.
There are many opportunities for women looking to get into engineering – check out the T Levels available in STEM subjects here and search for a T Level provider near you – and find the range of different apprenticeships here.
You can read more about how we’re investing in T Levels and how they can benefit you on this page.
Take a look here for 5 reasons why you should consider an apprenticeship.
You can also visit the Get the Jump page to find out more about the wide range of educational options available.