What Percentage Of Heating And Gas Engineers Are Female?
Heating And Gas Engineers Are Female
When it comes to the number of female heating and gas engineers, it’s a bit of a sore point. The industry is crying out for new people, but it’s a male-dominated one with just 0.4% of engineers being women. It’s easy to see why this is the case – working in the trades is hard work and requires a high level of intelligence and skill. This can be off-putting for many women who would be more than capable of taking on the role, but they’re often put off by the perception that it’s a man’s world.
A lack of support during schooling can also be a barrier. While it’s true that girls outperform boys in GCSE STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), many don’t go on to study these subjects at A-level or beyond, meaning they don’t end up in jobs in these areas. It’s also a common myth that it’s too physically demanding for female heating and gas engineers, but research by British Gas has found that this simply isn’t true. The industry is keen to change the perception that it’s a boys’ club, and bringing more women into the workforce could help address the industry-wide skills shortage and meet net-zero targets.
The fact that so many people are retiring from the profession, which means there is a big demand for workers, makes it an ideal time to bring in more women into the field. However, there are a few obstacles that need to be overcome before this can happen.
What Percentage Of Heating And Gas Engineers Are Female?
One of the biggest issues is a lingering belief that the job isn’t suitable for women, which can lead to them not applying. This may be down to a misconception that the job is too physical or that it’s difficult for women to get through training and the day-to-day of the role.
It’s important to note that while the number of females working in the gas and heating industry has increased over the last decade, it’s still a very male-dominated sector. This is something that should be addressed by the government and employers if they want to attract more people to the field.
A positive image of the industry, including showing photos of female engineers and encouraging children and adults to apply for apprenticeships, could make a big difference. This, combined with good career advice and offering work experience can help to attract more women into the profession and give them a chance to prove that they’re up for the challenge of becoming an engineer.
The benefits of a job in the gas and heating industry are clear to see. With good pay, opportunities for promotion and the opportunity to work in a varied career, there are many reasons why women should consider applying for an apprenticeship or moving into this area of the industry. This way, the industry will be able to welcome more people of all ages and genders into the workplace and benefit from a diverse workforce.