EngineeringUK has released its latest workforce data, revealing that there are approximately 6.4 million people working in engineering and technology roles in the UK, which accounts for around a fifth of the workforce.

While the latest data indicates some growth in diversity, it also confirms that progress has been slow and significant disparities persist for women, ethnic minority groups and disabled people.

Key findings include:

• Women only make up 16.9% of the engineering and technology workforce, compared to 56% of other occupations
• UK minority ethnic groups represent just 14% of the workforce, compared to 18% of other occupations
• Disabled people make up 14% of the engineering and technology workforce, lower than the 19% across all other occupations

EngineeringUK Head of Research, Becca Gooch said, “The latest data shows that there is still more to be done before we have the diverse workforce we need for UK engineering and technology to thrive. Women remain the most underrepresented group. Back in 2010, women made up around 10% of the workforce, so 16.9% is certainly an increase, but over 15 years, this is slow progress for a sector growing faster than any other between now and 2030.”

Touching on early engagement initiatives, she continues “Our research shows introducing young people to what a career in engineering and technology could mean for them ignites a passion for STEM among young people from all backgrounds people. …But we’d like the sector, which has a skills and labour shortage, to do much, much more to recruit and retain talented women.”

To help address gender disparity, EngineeringUK has partnered with the Royal Academy of Engineering, Women’s Engineering Society (WES), BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and Women into Science and Engineering (WISE). The collaboration aims to increase the number of girls entering into engineering and technology pathways at 18 and encourage engineering and technology career choices for young women and girls.

For more information – see the Engineering and Technology Workforce Report.