Damien Owens
Director General, Engineers Ireland
A central challenge for the engineering profession is the participation of women. According to the Higher Education Authority, just 23% of engineering graduates in Ireland were female last year.
Female engineers represent just 12% of the profession; many who graduate from engineering courses then choose alternative careers. The number of those participating in third-level engineering courses must be increased if we are to approach equal representation within our profession. However, other obstacles to entry to the profession must also be addressed.
Women less likely to pursue engineering
According to a recent study, carried out by Ipsos B&A on behalf of Engineers Ireland, 39% of women say they do not view engineering as a suitable career, compared to just 29% of men. Similarly, over a third of women respondents said they would not consider the profession if starting a career or pursuing a career change.
The reasons for this discrepancy in how men and women view careers in engineering are complex and multifaceted. Such issues were examined at our recent Engineers Ireland STEM Opportunities’ Leaders Forum, held in Dublin and supported by global healthcare technology leader Medtronic. It brought together leaders from across the public sector, education and industry to consider issues in STEM education, plus related sectors of the economy.
Engineering is a wonderful and
varied career with plentiful opportunities.
Societal expectations and need for women role models
Research was presented, demonstrating the different expectations for attainment our society tends to place on boys and girls in school mathematics. Similarly, it was highlighted that fewer female role models within the profession can also act as a barrier, as it reduces opportunities for girls and young women to see people like them as leaders within the profession.
These are issues that can and must be addressed. We have a vital responsibility to address imbalances within STEM professions and ensure that all sections of society feel equally comfortable taking up an engineering career. For years, women have had to overcome several societal and structural obstacles in the workplace.
Encourage women in engineering for sector benefit
Engineering is a wonderful and varied career with plentiful opportunities. A wide range of engineering professionals remain on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Critical Skills Occupations List while figures published by SOLAS, the State jobs agency, show that 13% of all professional vacancies in 2022 were for engineering professionals.
We can and must forge a path that encourages more women into our industry. A stronger, more vibrant and more diverse engineering sector benefits us all.
