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University of Teesside and the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, launch scheme to help female construction engineers

04 August 2005

 

A scheme to support female construction engineers is being launched today at the University of Teesside. As part of the scheme, which is called SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) for Work, local industry will be engaged in supporting female students to take up engineering careers after graduating.

A mentoring programme that links past and existing female students is also being launched.

The University of Teesside is one of 13 universities in England to have been allocated a SET for Work grant of up to £15,000 by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC).

The grants are enabling a range of creative projects to take place to encourage and support female students entering science, engineering and technology careers. Women now represent 51% of the total UK workforce but account for only 18.7% in science, engineering and technology. In engineering this figure shrinks to just 8 %.

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Assistant Dean (Research) at the University of Teesside’s School of Science & Technology, comments: “Previous attempts to attract more female students and liaise with industry have not had significant impact. This project will enable a step forward; it will allow us to develop a structured mentoring scheme in partnership with industry. Most importantly it will enhance the aspirations of female students to remain within engineering.”

UKRC Director Annette Williams said: “The National Employers Skills Survey reported 30% skills shortage vacancies in engineering in 2003 and it is estimated that this year alone an additional 10,000 young people will be needed to fill engineering apprenticeships. SET for Work is a great way to for employers and universities to work together to support more women to stay in engineering.”

At Teesside the SET for Work scheme has been developed in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), this partnership will help the University establish links with industry and highlight progression routes for women working in the built environment. Sir Michael Latham, Chief Executive of CITB will be a key speaker at today’s launch.

Notes for Editors SET for Work is run by the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET (UKRC) and sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills. The UKRC is funded by the DTI and is led by the JIVE Consortium of Bradford College, Sheffield Hallam University, the Open University and the University of Cambridge. The UKRC is working nationally to improve the participation and position of women in SET, and is responsible for implementing a key part of the Government’s strategy for women in SET. The under-representation of women and loss of qualified women in Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) is a national issue contributing to the continued skills gap. It is crucial to ensure that the UK has the right stock and flow of skilled scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, as well as technicians and other R&D support staff, generated from within the UK to ensure the UK’s future competitiveness.

For press or media enquiries relating to SET for Work please contact: Naiomi Sullivan, UKRC Marketing and Press Officer Call: 01274 438884.


 
 
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