Confidence key to increasing number of women engineers

Despite similar career expectations on graduating, six months after finishing their studies just 39% of female graduates have engineering jobs compared to 50% of male graduates, according to new figures. A new report, led by UCL Engineering, Katalytik and Oxford Research and Policy and funded by HE STEM, explores possible causes and cures for low numbers of women in engineering and technology subjects. Published today, the report - Jobs for the boys? - draws together new research into undergraduate attitudes, existing employment data, and in-depth s with employers to form best practice strategies. One of the most striking findings of the report was that three quarters of 4,624 final year engineering students surveyed by the SET to Lead project reported expecting to work in engineering roles after completing their courses. This figure did not differ significantly based on gender; but, six months after graduation, Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) figures show that only 39% of female bachelor degree graduates entered roles in engineering and technology, compared to 50% of males. However, female students were more likely to be undertaking some further study. A possible explanation for this difference is seen when students evaluated their own abilities - when asked if they had the technical skills that employers look for, 59% percent of men believed they did, compared to 45% of women surveyed.