FAQs

What does WISE do?

WISE promotes science, engineering, technology (SET) and construction as suitable career choices among girls and women across the UK, through brochures, posters, websites, a video, a DVD, hands-on courses and presentations.

The WISE Campaign works with girls and women, parents, teachers, careers advisers, employers, politicians and the media.

Where can I get a speaker for my school presentation?

Please contact WISE for further information: Tel 020 3206 0408, or email info@wisecampaign.org.uk

The Science & Engineering Ambassadors scheme has a database of scientists and engineers who work with young people to excite and encourage them about the opportunities that a science, engineering or technology based career can offer them.
You can get more details by calling WISE at: 020 3206 0408 or by visiting their website at: http://www.setnet.org.uk/

I don’t know what SET is about, how can I find out more?

SET stands for science, engineering and technology but WISE has many booklets, such as A girl like you..., the WISE brochure, the Role Models sets, SPARKmagazines and more, that explain what SET actually is in more detail - and the WISE Directory of Initiatives lists many courses that can give you hands-on experience.

Does WISE offer sponsorship?

The WISE Campaign is a charity and is therefore unable to sponsor individuals or organisations. The WISE Directory of Initiatives lists those organisations that may be able to help.

Why is engineering a good career to undertake?

53% of engineering graduates were employed in professional positions, compared with only 27% of the total new graduate population
In 2000, new engineering graduates earned 20% more than typical graduates and electrical/electronic engineers earned 27% more
70% of engineering graduates entered full time employment within 6 months, compared to 61% of all new graduates.

Why is engineering a good career for women to undertake?

Professional women engineers between 30 – 44 years old, earn an average of 9.2% more than their male counterparts
Only 6% of engineering graduates held clerical/secretarial jobs compared to 16.5% of all graduates.

Who runs WISE?

The day to day running of the WISE is in the hands of the Director, Terry Marsh, who is responsible to the Board:

Philip Greenish (Chair) Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering
John Morton, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Technology Board
Annette Williams, Chief Executive of the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET
Yvonne Baker, Chief Executive of SETNET
Martin Temple, Chief executive of the EEF
Peter Loban, Chief Executive of CIBT/ConstructionSkills

WISE also has four committees across the UK, in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and London. Volunteers, from industry and relevant organisations, attend the various WISE committee meetings, and undertake projects for the WISE Campaign.

Why do you have campaigns for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?

This is to cater for the specific needs of women in these countries, for instance in Wales the materials produced are translated into the Welsh language. It ensures that there is work being done throughout the UK and not just in one area.

How can I enthuse my children about SET?

WISE has a range of literature aimed at young people, designed to do just that! Order our SPARK magazines, the 'A Girl Like You' brochure, our role model sets, our new DVD or take a look at our Directory of Initiatives which has awards, courses and visits across the UK.
Find out more

Our section dedicated to the needs of parents can be found under the parents section.
Find out more

Your children could also take a look at our Girls Get WISE section which includes fascinating facts, experiments and a quiz.
Find out more

How can I help WISE as a Woman scientist/engineer?

You can join the Science & Engineering Ambassadors scheme, a database of scientists and engineers dedicated to the promotion of SET and construction.

How can I help WISE as an organisation/employer?

By developing your company family friendly policies, therefore enabling women with home commitments to work for you. Examples of companies who have adapted their policies for this purpose are listed in the WISE Directory of Initiatives.

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.

By participating in the Science & Engineering Ambassadors Scheme to improve public understanding of your industry, ensure more scientists and engineers for the future and to put something back into your community.

How can I get my school involved?

WISE runs the WISE Outlook Programme for girls aged 13-14, which enables girls to experience engineering first-hand.

You could also have a speaker attend a special assembly or perhaps a careers day. The Director of WISE regularly goes into schools to talk about how science and engineering are valuable and rewarding careers. Also, the Science & Engineering Ambassadors Scheme has a database of people in the sectors who come into schools to talk about their career.

Our range of literature includes many brochures for teachers and students. For example the SPARK magazine which shows young people how exciting SET is. Visit the publications section for more information.

How do I put an entry into the WISE Directory of Initiatives?

You can put an entry into the Directory by ringing the WISE Assistant at the WISE Campaign on: 020 3206 0408.

How many women study on engineering courses?

Women constituted only 14.5% of applicants accepted to engineering degree courses in 2000
Only 11% of engineering students in FE colleges are female
Only 1% of Modern Apprentices in Construction and the Motor Industry are female and only 3% in Engineering Manufacturing are female

How many women are there in engineering?

Only 20% of engineering employees are female, and most female employees are operators/assemblers or clerical/admin staff
Only 6% of professional engineers are female
Only 11% of managers are female
2.8% of Chartered Engineers were women
1.0% of Incorporated Engineers are women
1.1% of Engineering Technicians are women

Where can I get more advice on specific careers in Engineering?

The SEMTA Learning Helpline should be able to help you. Their freephone number is 0800 282 167.

What other organisations and activities are there that are relevant to women and SET issues?

WISE has produced a guide to organisations and activities relevant to women and SET in Excel format. To access this guide click here. If you do not have Excel, please contact WISE on: 020 3206 0408 for a printed copy.

up arrow Back to top