The low number of female workers in British engineering jobs is “a disgrace,” according to Jose Lopes, Jaguar Land Rover’s boss of technical excellence.
“I think it's a disgrace only eight per cent of the workforce in engineering are women,” he said. “This is not just a problem we have in the UK as in Germany it's around 16 per cent."
Speaking at a parliamentary reception hosted by the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies (Semta), Lopes applauded Semta’s involvement with JLR to help develop a stronger female presence in engineering jobs.
More than 120 women have enrolled in the programme, cementing the firm’s position as one of “The Times top 50 employers for women”.
The Autocar-Courland Next Generation Award - a national competition to identify, support and develop top automotive talent of the future – has received a five per cent female application figure, up from 2010’s solely male bias.
The Next Generation Award competition closes August 28 and the winner will receive £7500 as well as five months of extensive work experience with manufacturers tailored to his or her interests.
Autocar-Courland Next Generation Award - information and entry details here
Add your comment