Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman is set to host an SOE Women in Engineering event in London this November.
Panellists from across the engineering world will convene in London to discuss the role of schools in promoting positive messages about modern, cutting-edge engineering and career opportunities within engineering-related sectors.
On the panel to debate how to attract more women into engineering are chief executive of Semta, Ann Watson, SOE lead for women in engineering, Amanda Foster and Pauline Dawes, CEO/founder of Somi Trailers and winner of the 2017 UK Women in Innovation Award. They will be joined by SOE patron Sir John Parker, Nada Issa, senior mechanical engineer at Chapmanbdsp and Pamela Wilson, engineering manager at BAE Systems. Polly Williams, head of diversity and inclusion at Royal Academy of Engineering, will also be on the panel, as will Dani Rathke, PCV engineer and IRTEC assessor.
Bruce McGill, SOE chief executive, said: “We are approaching a time of significant technological progression in the UK and the demand for engineering skill sets has never been greater. Now is a great time to join the profession, but the sector needs much greater diversity to thrive and that means changing the narrative that says engineering is more suited to men.
“In order to take the necessary steps towards greater inclusion we have brought industry-leaders to this event to find some real solutions to this ongoing problem that the industry faces. We will hear from experts who are making a real difference increasing the number of women in the UK’s engineering workforce.”
Members of the audience will be encouraged to participate in the discussion, which will address the business case for a diverse workforce and how to promote a culture of inclusion.
It will debate the need for rebranding engineering careers and correcting the misconceptions that have damaged the industry and continue to create barriers to entry for young women.
The event, on November 12, begins with lunch and networking at 11.30am before the panel starts at 12pm. A Q&A session will take place at 1.45pm and the event will close at 2.15pm.
For more information about the event, or to register your interest to attend, visit: soe.org.uk/events