At Transicon, where I've been part of the family business for more than a decade, we're proud to support UK manufacturing with bespoke industrial control systems. Our solutions – from robotics to mechatronics – literally keep factories across the nation up and running and we’re proud to have completed projects for household names such as Muller Dairy, BMW and Tata Steel.
But the stark reality is that we need more engineers. That's not just an industry concern; it's a national one. From addressing climate change to reshaping supply chains, infrastructure, security, AI and automation, many of the challenges we face today will rely on people working in STEM. And yet, we're contending with a persistent skills gap.
The figures highlight not only a lack of representation but also a missed opportunity. As of 2023, only 15.7per cent of the UK engineering workforce is female. At a time when we need fresh thinking, diverse perspectives and practical problem-solvers, the more we can do to open the sector to a wider range of people, the stronger we'll be.
That's why I feel so strongly about starting this conversation as early as possible – before students reach work experience age and before their GCSE option choices.
The education pipeline challenge
Despite rising demand for engineers, fewer young people are taking design and technology subjects at school – often a key stepping stone into the profession.
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of students taking design and technology at GCSE level fell by more than 70per cent, from over 270,000 to just under 80,000. Over the same period, the number of design and technology teachers in secondary schools almost halved.
It's a stark picture and one that reinforces just how important it is for those of us in industry to step in and support. If we want to keep the pipeline of future engineers flowing, we need to be visible, engaged, and willing to help spark that early interest.
Becoming part of the teaching ecosystem
As the UK's broadest sector covering everything from chemical engineering to civil engineering and lots in between, it's not surprising that young people grapple with the umbrella term 'engineering' and an understanding of what careers exist for them.
For those of us working in the sector, it's up to us to throw open our doors, inform, talk, showcase and engage with schools and teachers as much as possible. It starts with us.
Here's how businesses can make a real difference:
Create hands-on STEM activities: Develop interactive projects that demonstrate engineering principles in action. At Transicon, we've created the "Skittliser" – a hands-on STEM project for local schools that makes engineering concepts tangible and fun. Consider what simple but engaging activities could showcase your particular field of engineering.
Attend careers fairs and visit schools: Make direct connections with students by actively participating in local careers events. At Transicon, we've seen the impact of attending careers fairs, particularly in encouraging girls to consider engineering. In fact, one of our female work experience students this summer was recruited in this way. These types of events enable students to ask questions and they help to break down stereotypes about who can be an engineer.
Partner with education specialists: Working with organisations like Marvellous Manufacturing can help bridge the gap between industry knowledge and educational delivery. These specialists understand how to translate complex industry concepts into age-appropriate learning experiences.
Participate in national initiatives: Get involved with established programmes. We’re participating in the 365 Faces of STEM: Seen to Make a Difference campaign to drive greater diversity across the industry and we’re sponsoring a Telford school to take part in the incredible STEM on Track initiative. These provide ready-made frameworks for engagement and connect your business to a wider network of STEM advocates.
Open your doors regularly: Workshop/factory tours can transform perceptions. When we welcome students to Transicon, seeing robotics and automation systems in action helps them visualise potential career paths. This September, with support from Marvellous Manufacturing, we'll be participating in National Manufacturing Day, inviting around 120 students from six different Telford schools to see firsthand what modern engineering looks like. They'll explore robotic systems, automated processes, and cutting-edge control systems.
Develop inclusive work experience: Create structured opportunities that appeal to a diverse range of students. This year, we're welcoming four work experience students and for the first time, it's a 50/50 gender split. As a company that has historically struggled to attract female engineers, it feels like a small but meaningful step in the right direction.
A collective responsibility
The engineering sector deserves the best and brightest talent spanning all backgrounds, but that means placing the sector on the radar of many who may not initially see it as a fit.
This International Women in Engineering Day, I'd encourage other women in engineering and manufacturing to share their stories. It's something that didn't come naturally to me at first, but I've come to realise it's not about us, it's about the next generation. The more they can see what's possible, the more they'll believe it's possible for them too.
By demystifying engineering early and showing students the incredible diversity of opportunities available, we're not just filling tomorrow's skills gap – we're nurturing the innovative thinkers who'll drive British engineering forward. Our future depends on opening these doors wider than ever before.
Jennifer Hughes, general manager of Transicon
As well as managing a team of 45 employees at Transicon, Jennifer is part of the Industry Advisory Board of the Women in Manufacturing UK Initiative and is also involved with the Invest Telford advisory group.
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