Why a revolution in gender equality could be the key to industry growth
As the UK emerges from recession there is a growing belief that the country should refocus its economy towards manufacturing, but a lack of talented engineers is holding back progress. In the latest of its series of articles looking at bringing back Britains engineering heritage, Jonathan Lee Recruitment asks whether a revolution in gender equality could be just what the sector needs.
Whether a new innovation comes from an individual with a bright idea, or from a group development process, diversity of input and talent is crucial to broadening your creative output, says Matthew Heath, Managing Consultant of Aerospace, Defence and Aviation. Only 6% of the current engineering workforce, and only 12% in the wider STEM sector, is made up of women. Whilst just over half of the countrys population is female. If the vast majority of that demographic is not engaged in engineering, then we are not taking full advantage of the diversity available and missing out on a wealth of innovative new perspectives. Furthermore, maintaining the existing talent pool will not be possible, let alone developing it for sustained growth, if we dont work hard at encouraging young women to look to careers in Engineering. In the long-term this deficiency will damage our international competitiveness and lead to the gradual decline of the industry.
See more at: http://www.jonlee.co.uk/blog/bringing-back-engineering-britain-blog-33439165355#sthash.h841euaQ.dpuf