Written by Coral Gifford
In today’s competitive business landscape, diversity and inclusion have become crucial factors in driving innovation and success. As a permanent recruiter specializing in professional services and engineering roles, with experience in the UK and Australia, I am passionate about promoting diversity, particularly in the field of engineering.
Why focus on women in engineering? As a woman recruiting in engineering, I have seen firsthand the underrepresentation of women in this field, which is why I aim to make this a focus moving forward. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and better equipped to solve complex problems. By actively promoting gender diversity, companies can unlock new ideas and perspectives that drive sustainable growth and success.
According to Engineers Australia, only 17.7% of engineering graduates are women, with 18.9% enrollment, and female engineers make up just 14% of the engineering workforce. This underrepresentation is a missed opportunity for the industry to tap into a diverse talent pool and benefit from the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to the table.
The skills crisis in engineering: The engineering skills shortage in Australia is at its highest level in over a decade, with the demand for engineering skills outpacing supply. Despite a significant increase in the number of qualified engineers between 2016 and 2021, demand continues to grow at three times the rate of the general workforce. Several critical sectors, including Defence, Clean Energy, Power Systems, and Construction, are facing significant challenges in recruiting experienced engineers.
Addressing the gender gap: To address the gender gap in engineering, we need to take proactive measures to attract and retain female talent. This includes creating inclusive job descriptions, reaching out to diverse talent pools, and providing support and mentorship for female employees and candidates. By focusing on women in engineering, we can not only help companies meet their diversity goals but also create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
Closing the gap: Despite the challenges, progress is being made in closing the gender gap in engineering. Initiatives such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and networking events are helping to attract more women to the field and support their career advancement. Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are already seeing the benefits in terms of improved innovation, employee engagement, and overall business performance. Diverse teams bring together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which can lead to more innovative solutions. A study by McKinsey found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile.
My commitment to championing diversity is not just about filling roles; it’s about driving a cultural shift within organizations. By focusing on women in engineering, I aim to create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. If you’re looking to enhance your team with exceptional talent and drive innovation through diversity, I’d love to connect and meet for coffee. Let’s work together to champion diversity and create a brighter future for engineering.
If you would like more information on how we can assist in finding talent, please contact our team.
Author: Coral Gifford Recruitment Consultant
Coral is an experienced professional in Engineering recruitment, specialising in connecting top talent with roles in Victoria, Australia. Her dedication to promoting diversity, particularly in engineering, is evident in her work. At PERSOLKELLY, Coral focuses on identifying and cultivating talent across various roles, including engineering, administration, customer service, and more. She is committed to driving a cultural shift within organisations, aiming to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. For those looking to enhance their team with exceptional talent in engineering or other professional services roles, Coral is a valuable resource to champion diversity and drive success.
References:
New report reveals deepening engineering skills crisis | Engineers Australia
