Women make up 23% of those in core STEM occupations in the UK and 24% of those working in core STEM industries. 

The trends are very positive, with more women working in core STEM than ever before. 61,430 more women work in core STEM* in 2017 than in 2016. The number of men in core STEM fell by 45,980 in the same period. 

Women in engineering 

There are nearly 12,000 more women professional engineers than in 2016. Women now make up 11% of the total. The number of men in engineering professional roles dropped by 36,000. 

Science and engineering technicians 

There are nearly 22,000 more women working as science and engineering technicians than in 2016. Women make up 27% of the total. In the same period the number of men increased by 52,000. 

Women in ICT 

There are nearly 11,000 fewer women working as ICT professionals than in 2016. Women make up 17% of the total, a drop of 1%. Men working in ICT professional occupations has dropped by 15,000. 

There are more than 3,000 more women working as ICT technicians than in 2016. Women make up 19% of the total. Men working in IT technician roles has increased by 15,000. 

Women science professionals 

There are 7,000 fewer women working as science professionals than in 2016. Women make up 42% of the total. This category includes chemists, biochemists, biologists, physicists, geologists and meteorologists. Men working in science professional roles has dropped by 16,000. 

Skilled trades 

There are 5,500 fewer women working in skilled trades than in 2016. Women make up 8% of the total. The total of men working in skilled trade occupations has dropped by 35,000. 

Women in management 

There are nearly 5,500 more women working in management roles in science, engineering and technology than in 2016. Women make up 15% of the total. The number of men in SET management fell by 32,800. 

*Core STEM includes science, engineering, information and communications technology and skilled trades. Health occupations are not included in the scope of core STEM. A full list of occupational codes included in Core STEM can be found here.