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Dissemination Conference Summary of Dissemination Conference

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Project Findings

To view a copy of the presentation given at the Dissemination Conference, click here.

To view a copy of the brochure highlighting important findings from the WEWIN project, click here.

One major finding from the research is that the engineering profession clearly suffers from a number of misconceptions relating to its content and diversity. In order to improve the appeal of all disciplines of engineering - to both women and men - the image of engineering needs to be updated. At present, the image of engineering is considered to be old fashioned, and whilst efforts have been made to try and change this, it has been largely unsuccessful. Many believe that science and engineering as subjects must be related to societal realities at school and undergraduate level in order for potential engineers to see the relevance to day-to-day life. A number of recommendations have been made (below) in response to this and other important findings noted in both the presentation and the brochure (above).

Recommendations

Employers

• Improve HR policies - what is written and what is acted upon can be two different things. Where a company has a written HR policy, it should be clear that managers and directors are adhering to this policy, especially in relation to recruitment and progression issues.
• Monitor the implementation of HR policies and act upon results - this will help to improve future policies and practices in a cyclical round of evolution. Many organisations conduct exit interviews, but there is little or no indication of how this information is used, and whether or not this contributes to future recruitment and retention policies.
• Implement returners schemes - women who have left the the industry, or who have attempted to return have called for assistance in returning.
• Adapt flexible working environments and employment practices - like increasing flexible working opportunities, well-being and work-life balance policies. Formalise career development programmes and salary schemes.

Professional Bodies

• Monitor the activities of members, encourage the sharing of good practice through conferences, workshops and other events.

Careers/ Teachers

• Encourage early exposure to engineering concepts - from childhood to undergraduate level. The drop-out rate for engineering undergraduate programmes is high, for both females and males. Students may exit courses because the link between engineering in study and practice is not evident.

Individual Engineers

• Know your statutory rights - http://www.direct.gov.uk
• Explore a variety of employment avenues
• Become a member of a professional body, or contact a relevant organisation (see links page) for advice on a range of issues.