UK engineering workforce reaches 6.4 million, but diversity gaps persist

Approximately 6.4 million people are employed in engineering and technology roles across the UK, constituting about 19.3% of the national workforce, a new report has revealed. Yet despite this substantial figure, the sector continues to grapple with significant diversity challenges.

The report from EngineeringUK highlights persistent disparities in representation within the engineering and technology workforce:

• only 16.9% of the workforce are women, a modest increase from around 10% in 2010, yet still markedly lower than the 56% representation in other occupations
• individuals from UK minority ethnic backgrounds make up 14% of the engineering and technology workforce, compared to 18% in other sectors; and
• disabled people constitute 14% of the sector's workforce, whereas they represent 19% across all other occupations.

Releasing the data, Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK, emphasised the need for accelerated progress. "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," she said. "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."

To address these disparities, EngineeringUK has partnered with organisations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, Women’s Engineering Society (WES), BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and Women into Science and Engineering (WISE). These collaborations aim to increase the number of girls pursuing education pathways in engineering and technology by age 18, focusing on key areas influencing their career choices.

Additionally, STEM outreach programmes such as The Big Bang, Energy Quest, and the Climate School Programme are instrumental in introducing young people to real-world engineering and technology careers, thereby igniting a passion for STEM among diverse backgrounds.

As the engineering and technology sectors continue to evolve and expand, addressing these diversity gaps is crucial for fostering innovation and meeting the UK's future workforce needs. EngineeringUK's report serves as a call to action for employers, policymakers, and educational institutions to implement strategies that promote inclusivity and attract talent from all segments of society.