‘Shape the world’ is the theme for this year’s International Women in Engineering Day.
What does it mean to us? Anything from innovative design to projects that help communities and getting more people involved in this dynamic industry.
Watch this film to find out more:
#INWED20
#ShapeTheWorld
“The art of the possible is limitless.”
International Women in Engineering Day 2020 – a year in the life of an engineer
We’re urging more young people to explore the huge range of career opportunities on the railway as research published by Network Rail this week shows three-quarters of young women feel there are not enough female role models in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
A survey of more than 2,000 16 to 21-year-olds in Britain, conducted by researcher Savanta ComRes, has found 64% of total respondents and 77% of young women feel STEM lacks female role models. Just 26% of women intend to pursue careers in STEM-related areas, although 27% intend to study further in STEM.
Meanwhile, when asked if they recognised famous names and faces of STEM figures, more than 80% of respondents were familiar with male STEM figures such as Steven Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton but just 18% knew of Ada Lovelace, who is credited as one of the first computer programmers for her visionary work in computer science in the 19th century.
Filling the skills gap
The UK requires 124,000 engineers and technicians with core engineering skills across the economy each year up to 2024, according to a report, Engineering UK: The state of engineering. There is an additional requirement for 79,000 related roles, requiring a mixed application of engineering knowledge and skill alongside other skill sets.
However, the report anticipates a shortfall of between 37,000 and 59,000 due to the supply of talent coming through education.
Inspiring children and young people
We’re always looking to inspire the next generation of engineers and railway workers – and you can help us! We have lots of fantastic learning resources to get children excited about the possibilities of STEM, such as experiments they can try at home and lesson plans about the railway and railway history. You can find them here.
Early careers
If you have the hunger to implement change, an open mind and want to work for a company that will develop you to the best you can, the railway is for you.
Visit our early careers page to find out about apprenticeships, graduate schemes, summer placements and our year in industry placement programme.
Read more:
International Women in Engineering Day 2019: Just Like Me
Just Like Me: Q and A with Tara Scott
Just Like Me: Q and A with Dorota and Emily
Just Like Me: Q and A with pilot Rikke Carmichael
Just Like Me: Q and A with Helen Warnock
Just Like Me: Q and A with Kamini Edgley