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Employers

Why do we need WISE?

The aim of WISE is to promote science, engineering, technology (SET) and construction as suitable career choices for girls and women.

In SET and construction it is vital to recruit and retain from the best of the whole population, regardless of gender. We must encourage more girls and women to enter SET and construction and fulfill the current skills shortages.

Despite recent A Level results showing that girls are improving in subjects such as chemistry, physics, computing and technology, and are getting more A and B grades in these subjects than boys, they are not pursuing these subjects at university or in employment. Much still needs to be done to redress the balance, as young women are still missing out on very interesting and worthwhile careers.

It is vital that the profile of SET and construction as a valuable and worthwhile career is raised in the UK, particularly among young women, and that the profile is improved to match that of the rest of Europe, where an ‘Engineer’ is as important a title as "Doctor" or "Professor".

The Statistics

  • Only 1% of Modern Apprentices in Construction and the Motor Industry are female and only 3% in Engineering Manufacturing are female
  • Men still account for 99% of Modern Apprenticeships in Construction and 96% of apprenticeships in Engineering, yet 97% of child-care apprentices are women
  • Women constituted only 18% of applicants accepted to engineering degree courses in 2000
  • Only 11% of engineering students in FE colleges are female and only 18% of undergraduates in higher education are female
  • Women are also seriously under-represented in the engineering industry (2002):
  • Only 20% of engineering employees are female. 21% of these employees are operators/assemblers and 71% are clerical/ admin staff
  • Only 6% of professional engineers are female
  • Only 11% of managers are female.


Sources: Engineering Council 2002 - Engineers for Britain; EMTA 2001 - Sector Workforce Development Plan; Renumeration Economics-Engineering Salary Survey September 2001; EMTA 2002 – Labour Market Survey of Engineering Industry in Great Britain.

The Perceptions

  • 84% of people think that scientists and engineers make a valuable contribution to society
  • 77% believe that because of science, engineering and technology there will be more opportunities for the next generation
  • 54% of young people associate engineering with a dirty environment
  • Girls, in particular, do not associate good pay and salary, and doing interesting work, with engineering.
  • 68% think that the benefits of science are greater than the harmful effects
  • 74% of the public think that science is such a big part of our lives that we should take an interest
  • 91% believe that it is important that young people have a grasp of science and technology
  • 25% of young people associate engineering with working in factories
  • 68% strongly agree that science and technology are making our lives easier and more comfortable
  • 79% believe that Britain needs to develop science and technology in order to enhance its international competitiveness
  • 65% of MORI respondents trusted scientists to tell them the truth
  • Marie Curie and Albert Einstein are considered more inspiring than David and Victoria Beckham.


Sources: Engineering Council 2002- Engineers for Britain, Digest of Engineering Statistics; EMTA 2001 – Sector Workforce Development Plan for Engineering Manufacture; OST/Wellcome Trust 2000: Science and the Public 2001 MORI Poll for CRC/ICRF

How can I help WISE?

By providing WISE with female role models from your company or organisation. If you have someone suitable, please contact WISE. Please visit our Role Models section to see our current role models, or order the brochures FREE of charge on: 020 3206 0408

By becoming a WISE Sponsor. WISE relies on the financial support of employers and organisations to be able to create new projects such as literature, videos, hands-on experiences and posters. It is only through the support of employers such as yourselves that WISE is able to continue to carry out its work on your behalf. If you would like to know more about sponsorship of WISE, please contact us on:
020 3206 0408

By developing your company family friendly policies, therefore enabling women with home commitments to work for you.

Many companies operate flexible policies, aimed at helping employees who have family responsibilities. Schemes such as career breaks, parent networking, crèche facilities and flexible working patterns can all help when trying to promote the employment of women, and to attract them into the industry. Companies and organisations operating schemes such as these include, among others: BP, Exxon Mobil, Land Rover, Shell International and Xerox. Details of schemes that companies run to improve working life for women, are available in the free WISE Directory of Initiatives which can be found in the publications section.

By participating in the Science and Engineering Ambassadors Scheme which recruits role models working in SET to visit schools to improve public understanding of your industry, ensure more scientists and engineers for the future and to put something back into your community.

WISE Awards

Submit an entry for the WISE Awards which are held yearly to recognise good practice in companies in the SET sector.

The Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) annual awards are given in recognition of companies and individuals who have actively addressed the issue of promoting science and engineering to young girls and women, and who have supported the aims of WISE.

WISE Excellence Award

This award is presented to a woman scientist, engineer or female working in construction for her effort and commitment to the promotion of science and engineering to girls and women.

She will also receive a cheque for £1,000.00.

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