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News Release from: UK Resource Centre for Women in SET
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 11 May 2005
Campaign aims to reclaim UK's lost women
A national campaign has been launched today to urge qualified women to return to careers in science, engineering and technology.
A national campaign has been launched today to urge qualified women to return to careers in science, engineering and technology Official research shows that 50,000 women are not currently working in the UK's science, engineering and technology (SET) industries, despite having specialist skills and training that is crucial to the economy
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 28 Sep 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Return Campaign has been launched by the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET (UKRC).
The organisation hopes to help up to 1000 women return to SET over the next three years by connecting them to a host of free services and support, including training, courses, mentoring schemes and networking organisations.
Jane Butcher, Manager of the campaign, says: "Currently only a third of SET qualified women return to jobs that utilise their expertise after taking a career break, for example to raise children".
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"This loss is contributing to a continued skills gap in the SET industries".
"It represents a major concern for employers, and for women, who can feel frustrated that they are not making full use of their skills and potential".
The UKRC is hoping that the Return Campaign will encourage women UK-wide to get in touch to find out more about what support is available to help them.
As part of the Return Campaign, the Open University is offering a free online course called "Science, engineering and technology: a course for women returners" (T160).
The course is currently enrolling and will start in October.
It will help women plan their return and update skills.
The course also provides opportunities to attend networking events, meet with potential employers, role models and mentors.
Clem Herman, Open University Lecturer, comments: "I've interviewed lots of women who have returned after a break and found that many face similar issues, for example feeling out of touch with old contacts and networks, something which can be more acute in SET where women are still in the minority".
"This course takes account of such issues and offers a mix of support and practical help".
The UKRC will be working with a number of key organisations over the coming three years to ensure that as many women as possible have access to the best support available to help them achieve a fulfilling career in the SET industries.
The UKRC works nationally to improve the participation and position of women in science, engineering and technology through its work with employers, Government departments and key stakeholders in the SET industry.
Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt announced in March that the centre will receive an additional GBP 2 million in funding from the science budget allocation for 2007-08.
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