OREANDA-NEWS. SSE is delighted to become a Corporate Partner of the Women’s Engineering Society.

The Women's Engineering Society is a charity and a professional network of women engineers, scientists and technologists offering inspiration, support and professional development. It campaigns with industry partners to encourage women to participate and achieve as engineers, scientists and as leaders.

John Stewart, SSE’s Director of HR, said: “Just 15% of industry jobs are held by women and businesses need to be more reflective of the society they serve, but currently not enough women in the UK are choosing careers in engineering or in technical operational roles.

“The reasons for this are multifaceted and societal as well as business and sector specific but for this reason we have to do more to attract women into what has been a historically male–dominated industry.

“Working with the Women’s Engineering Society we hope to increase awareness of the wide range of career opportunities for long-term and successful careers in energy.”

The energy industry is currently facing two significant employment challenges; a skills shortage and a stark lack of diversity. If it wants to be in a position to compete in the future it needs to take action now.   

Around half of the industry’s workforce is due to leave or retire by 2023. Whilst this is a big challenge to deal with, it also gives us the opportunity to build new pipelines of talent.