CIHT is celebrating the achievements and aspirations of females working in highways and transportation in recognition of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), which took place on Saturday 23 June.

 

INWED is an awareness campaign organised by the Women’s Engineering Society to raise the profile of women in the sector and bring attention to the career opportunities available to girls.

 

“CIHT and our members are taking part in a numerous activities around the country focusing on the women in engineering, STEM and how best to inspire young women into the sector,” said the Institution’s chief executive Sue Percy.

 

She added: “Women are making a difference in our sector from the planning, design, construction to operating and maintenance of our transport systems and infrastructure.”

 

CIHT is showcasing a number of its female members via the website and through its social media channels. Click here to look through its Women in Transportation gallery and find out about some of the inspiring reasons why members chose careers in the industry. 

 

The Institution’s STEM Ambassadors continue their work to inspire the next generation and promote the message that the industry is open to everyone.

 

And earlier this year CIHT West Midlands launched its Innovative Women in Transport and Engineering exhibition at the Thinktank Science Museum in Birmingham. The exhibition showcases the diverse career opportunities in the sector to primary and secondary school pupils, featuring several members from the Region.

 

Commenting on the need for a diverse workforce, CIHT Road Safety Panel member and CIHT Awards judge Kate Carpenter said: “We believe that the industry, including infrastructure clients, designers, contractors and specialists, should better reflect the public community it serves.

 

“The increase in women’s involvement in transport infrastructure is welcomed, but the industry is still a long way short of reflecting its ultimate clients – relevant to all aspects of diversity including gender.”

 

Statistics show that last year 11% of the total engineering workforce was female in the UK – up from 9% in 2015. However the UK is thought to have the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe.

 

Meanwhile 32% of companies across sectors have reported difficulties recruiting experienced STEM staff.

 

Kate Carpenter describes two key actions to improve diversity in the workforce. Firstly, activities are needed in schools and higher education to showcase the rewarding and diverse range of careers available in the sector.

 

Secondly, she adds, the industry must develop to meet the needs of both women and men, for example by accommodating working parents and ensuring those in later career stages are able to benefit from flexible work patterns.