On 23 June 1919, a committee of influential women sensed a new dawn. The First World War had ended, and significant steps had been taken towards women’s suffrage.

The group, ranging from designers and munitions factory managers to wives of eminent engineers, rallied to found the Women’s Engineering Society (WES).Only 11 per cent of the UK’s engineers are female

One hundred years later, progress for women in industry has often felt stagnant. As we celebrate the centenary of the Women’s Engineering Society and International Women in Engineering Day on June 23, the fact that only 11 per cent of the UK’s engineers are female is a tough pill to swallow.

The Society’s initial journal outlined its aims to “encourage and stimulate all women who are interested in engineering”, but today’s figures show that it’s often hard to see these efforts come to fruition. So, what can be done to nurture talent in this milestone year?

The state of industry

The UK has the lowest percentage of female engineers in Europe. As it stands, this figure isn’t set to rise any time soon. It’s estimated that less than eight per cent of engineering and manufacturing apprentices are female, with figures plunging to as low as two per cent in the building and construction sector.

Source - Read More at: www.powerengineeringint.com