On Tuesday this week, I was delighted to welcome students and staff from Medway University Technical College (UTC) to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Parliamentary Reception for Women in Engineering.
The event marked International Women’s Day and showcased exhibitions and technologies from remarkable engineering students, STEM teachers and engineering professionals. All of whom are working to encourage future generations of women to consider careers in science and engineering.
The Engineering UK 2015 report highlighted the forthcoming shortfall in qualified engineers and technicians entering the profession – as many as 500,000 by 2025. Of particular concern is the lack of women entering the profession. The UK has one of the lowest gender ratios of any developed country at about 6%.
It was great that Medway UTC were able to come along with a number of their female students who will one day join the future set of engineers and innovators. It is exciting times for our local area with the presence of the new UTC, which received its first intake of students in September. I am confident that it will transform education for 14 to 18 year olds who want to enter the local and national construction and engineering sectors.
Medway University Technical College will join more than 30 UTCs which have opened across the country – and is the second in Kent after Leigh UTC opened in Dartford last year. While this is another great step towards improving skills in technology and engineering, it is important that more girls are encouraged to take up these subjects and enter what is a very rewarding career path both in Medway and across the country.