Conference to address skills shortages

The skills shortage in the science, engineering and technology sectors is harming the economy, claims the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).

The skills shortage in the science, engineering and technology sectors is harming the economy, claims the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).

An important part of the skills shortage is caused by these industries' failure to attract and retain women.

The issue will be addressed at a one-day conference at The Royal Armouries in Leeds on 16th September 2004.

According to recent research, 50,000 women with degrees in science, engineering and technology are not working at any one time, and of those who do go back to work only around 8000 return to a job that makes direct use of their university education and training.

The new UK Resource Centre - which is based at Bradford College - will work to address this and other such concerns over the coming years.

The conference will cover the Government's vision for increasing the participation and progression of women in SET, and the role of the new centre in realising this vision.

Employers attending the event will hear the economic argument for ensuring diversity in employment, and presentations will be made by leading organisations which will share best practice and knowledge about how to successfully attract and retain female workers.

Annette Williams, Director of the Resource Centre said: "Women now make up almost half of the workforce and yet their talents and expertise are still not being utilised to the fullest - particularly in science, engineering and technology".

"At the same time the UK is currently experiencing a skills shortage in these sectors".

"It is in the interest of progress, innovation, and economic success that this problem is addressed and that the true potential of women is fostered".

"Shrewd employers are beginning to recognise this".

"The official launch will mark the beginning of a new and exciting phase in science, engineering and technology".

"The UK Resource Centre can offer support and advice on how to recruit, retain and progress women in SET".

"Employers attending the launch will find out how we can work together to bring about effective and lasting change".

The UK Resource Centre will play a key part in the Government's ten-year investment framework for science and innovation, published earlier this month.

In addition the Government has unveiled plans to create a new Women and Work Commission.

The new commission, scheduled to begin work in the Autumn, will examine problems facing women across all sectors of employment, and will focus specifically on the gender pay gap.

Commenting on the new commission Williams said: "We welcome the arrival of the new commission which - as part of the Government's overall vision for achieving gender equality - will compliment and strengthen the work of the UK Resource Centre and other organisations currently working to address the problems faced by female workers".

"2004 is proving to be somewhat of a landmark year for gender equality in this country".

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