Slow progress on gender diversity in engineering workforce

EngineeringUK has released its latest workforce data, revealing that around 6.4 million people are currently employed in engineering and technology roles in the UK – approximately 19.3% of the total workforce.

The 2024 data highlights some positive movement in workforce size and diversity. However, it also confirms that significant gaps remain in representation, particularly for women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups.

Key findings from the report include:

• Women make up just 16.9% of the engineering and technology workforce – a marked underrepresentation when compared with 56% in other occupations.

• UK minority ethnic groups represent 14% of the sector, lower than the 18% seen across other fields.

• Disabled people account for 14% of engineering and technology professionals, compared to 19% across the wider workforce.

While the proportion of women in engineering and tech roles has risen from 10% in 2010, EngineeringUK cautions that this progress has been slow given the growth of the sector and its urgent need for skilled professionals.

Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK, said:

The latest data shows that there is still more to be done before we have the diverse workforce we need for UK engineering and technology to thrive. Women remain the most underrepresented group. Over 15 years, an increase from 10% to 16.9% is progress, but not at the pace required.

She added that outreach and engagement initiatives play a key role in closing this gap:

Our research shows introducing young people to what a career in engineering and technology could mean for them ignites a passion for STEM among young people from all backgrounds. But we’d like the sector, which has a skills and labour shortage, to do much more to recruit and retain talented women.

To tackle gender disparity, EngineeringUK has partnered with the Royal Academy of Engineering, WES, BCS, and WISE. The collaboration will focus on increasing the number of girls entering engineering and technology pathways at age 18, and supporting career choices throughout education.

Read more: Engineering and technology workforce