DTI minister visits resource centre

An UK Resource Centre for Women in SET product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 14, 2005

DTI Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, Meg Munn was at the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) in Bradford this week.

DTI Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, Meg Munn was at the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) in Bradford this week to find out what progress the national centre has made in its work to improve the position of women in science, engineering and technology employment and education.

The GBP 6.9 million Government backed UK Resource Centre, which is based at Bradford College launched last September and is contracted to deliver programmes on behalf of the DTI until March 2008.

It is responsible for helping the Government deliver a key part of its strategy to tackle the under-representation of women in science careers.

In the UK women now represent 51% of the workforce but only account for 18.7% of those employed in science, engineering and technology jobs.

The UKRC works with British business to help them address skills shortages and utilise more women with these skills.

The centre also provides practical help and support to girls and women, including those thinking of a career in the sectors and those taking a career break.

Three of the centre's key achievements over the last year include: the setting up of three award schemes (partnering with the Manufacturing Excellence Awards) to recognise employers who are effectively addressing the barriers to female employment, progression and retention in scientific careers; the creation of the SET for Work scheme which has enabled grants of up to GBP 15,000 to be awarded to 13 English universities to allow them to provide practical support - such as mentoring - to female students; and the launch of a major national campaign urging qualified women to return to science.

The Return Campaign was launched in May and aims to help up to 1000 qualified women return to science careers over the next three years by connecting them to a host of free services and support, including training, courses, mentoring schemes and networking organisations.

Speaking at the Resource Centre, Munn said: "The UKRC is doing excellent work increasing the opportunities for professional women in science.

We need to close the skills gap that is holding back our country's competitiveness".

"I am delighted to hear first hand about the crucial work and progress that is being made to promote women in science, engineering and technology".

During her visit Meg Munn, who has been the Deputy Minister for Women and Equality since May 2005, heard presentations about the UKRC's work over the last year; was given a tour of the centre and had the opportunity to meet with representatives from industry - including IBM the world's leading information technology company - to discuss how they are working with the centre.

UKRC Director Annette Williams said: "We are exceptionally pleased to have received a visit from the Deputy Minister for Women and Equality".

"Meg Munn has demonstrated support and her keen interest to find out more about the work we are doing nationally to address this important issue".

"There is a serious shortage of qualified people in science, engineering and technology".

"Employers report that over the next 10 years the requirement for more highly skilled people will grow substantially".

"We are working hard to ensure that women are afforded an equal opportunity to contribute their skills and expertise".

The UKRC received a cash boost in March when the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, announced an additional GBP 2.8 million in funding for the centre.

Making the announcement Hewitt said: "The UK science base is world class and record levels of funding show our commitment to sustaining this".

"But to stay at the forefront we must harness all of our potential".

The funding will allow the UKRC to build on its existing work and an announcement is expected to come from the centre shortly about the launch of satellite centres in Wales and Scotland.