Why are female engineers not returning to work?

Not only is the industry losing out on these skills in engineering, but it is failing to utilise the links that these women have with their local communities, schools and other parents/influencers. With a bit of thought, organisation and encouragement it could mobilise this untapped resource and either re-introduce these skilled women to the engineering sector or use them as ambassadors for the profession in other ways.

This conference explores the opportunities and some of the best practices that are out there to access and utilise this neglected resource. Aimed at individual women engineers, it is also aimed at companies wanting to know more about current best practices in developing and retaining female employees.

During the day visitors will hear about the STEM survey that highlighted the barriers that women face in returning to work after a break from Sue Ferns of Prospect Union; from Julianne Miles (Women Returners) and Julie Thornton (Thames Tideway Tunnel) about women 'Returnship' programmes; and also from Katie Perry on the Daphne Jackson Trust and ways to reintroduce women to science careers and Clem Herman on the Open University STEM Returners online course.

Kate Bellingham will also be talking at the conference about her exciting new venture School Gate SET and Jenny Young from the Royal Academy of Engineering will talk about what Professional Engineering Institutions are doing to support their women members through the RETURN programme.

In the afternoon visitors will hear from companies including Arup, Atkins, Airbus, Make Architects, Goldman Sachs, Laing O'Rourke, National Grid and Hyder Consulting who will give their case studies about how they have supported their employees and from Thames Tideway Tunnel and Women Returners on the first UK engineering returnship programme.

The final panel session will allow the audience to discuss the issues with panel members who have spoken during the day. The conference sessions will be chaired by Meg Munn, Philippa Oldham (IMechE) and Kim Pamplin (P&G).

In parallel sessions some Continued Professional Development on Personal and Career Development from two experienced coaches in Susan Room and Carol Stewart will be offered. WES members also get the chance to learn more about the Magnificent Women schools outreach programme and how they can be involved in this in the future.