The government has called on women of all ages to consider engineering careers, highlighting the opportunities provided by major infrastructure projects like HS2.
With women currently representing just 12% of the engineering workforce and 18% of the transport sector workforce, hiring more women is essential for the delivery of major transport infrastructure projects like HS2 and the Heathrow expansion.
It is estimated that, by 2033, there will be a combined shortfall of around 341,000 jobs in the sector.
Permanent secretary at the Department for Transport, Bernadette Kelly, said, “We want to challenge traditional perceptions of engineering to ensure our transport industry has the skills it needs for the future.
“This isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s necessary for engineering and transport to thrive. We simply need more engineers and people in the industry as investment grows. Currently, we’re not making use of a huge section of society and that can’t continue.
“Building on progress and productive conversations with industry, I hope to help women across the country and of all ages see there are amazing careers in transport – from building site to boardroom.”
HS2 minister, Nusrat Ghani, added, “In this country, we build roads, rail track, we expand airports, and we need engineers from all corners of the country to help us deliver our ambitions. Engineers are also at the heart of developing greener and more accessible transport, using innovation to design a better world that works for everyone. “The engineering and transport worlds have been too male for too long. A more diverse workforce will not only mean more opportunities for women, but will help the industry reach its potential.”