UK Campaign Pushes to Make Women in Engineering the Norm, Not the Exception

A UK training provider has launched a campaign urging more women in engineering and manufacturing to share their professional stories, with the goal of building a visible pipeline of role models for the next generation.

In-Comm Training, which operates centres in Aldridge and Telford, launched the initiative under the name "I'm Included." The campaign brought together women from companies across the West Midlands to speak openly about their experiences working in the sector.

Women currently represent about 17% of the workforce in core engineering roles, according to Bekki Phillips, chief operating officer at In-Comm Training. The campaign was designed to shift that figure by showing that women in engineering should be seen as the rule rather than the exception.

"We brought together a focus group of ten female role models from the sector and asked them to share their stories, challenges and what they would say to inspire others," Phillips said. "The overwhelming message is that we need to inspire others by proving that women in industry are the norm, highlighting all the hidden roles that are rarely seen and career journeys that are non-linear and heavily impacted by life phases, such as maternity and flexible working."

Employees from Safran in Wolverhampton, Jenks and Cattell and Assa Abloy in Willenhall, and Alwayse Engineering in Birmingham are among those taking part. Birmingham tool manufacturer Guhring is also involved.

A launch video follows the journey of a young girl who is inspired by engineering, progresses through education, and eventually reaches a leadership role within the industry. That will be followed by a series of personal videos featuring an apprentice machinist, an associate director, a project manager, a senior systems engineer, and graduates working their way up.

Other businesses and women in the sector are being encouraged to share their own experiences through social media, roundtables, and industry events.

Claire Umney, managing director of Birmingham-based Alwayse Engineering, said the industry needed to be louder about the women already working within it. "We need to share more stories and that's where I want everyone to promote their views and experiences. The more role models we create, the better," she said.

The engineering and construction sectors have long grappled with underrepresentation of women, particularly in site-based and technical roles. Initiatives like "I'm Included" reflect a growing acknowledgement that visibility, not just recruitment, is central to closing that gap.