WOMEN ARE ENGINEERING HOPE
But diversity in field is still lacking: Caroline Andrewes and Ann English.
It’s likely not on your calendar, and there probably won’t be a reminder on your phone, but June 23 is a special day, particularly for women.
Today recognizes International Women in Engineering Day, a time to focus on the amazing accomplishments of female engineers and the career opportunities available for women in this dynamic profession.
Unfortunately, while women make up half the population, they’re greatly underrepresented in engineering, making up less than 12 per cent of the profession in B.C. It means our workplaces aren’t as diverse as they need to be, our talent pool isn’t as deep and our economy may be suffering as a result.
We are working to improve things.
Engineering touches almost every part of our lives and sector of our economy. Engineers design aircraft and ships, build bridges and construct roads. Biomedical engineers are developing new health-care solutions, electrical engineers specialize in power generation and geological engineers are the experts when it comes to groundwater studies.
Look to any major project in B.C., from a mine to a waste water treatment facility, and engineers are working behind the scenes to ensure safe, sustainable solutions.
Today, with the rise of robotics, artificial intelligence and the digitization of the economy, engineering opportunities abound.
And yet too few young women are entering engineering programs.
Over the last decade, significant progress has been made to increase the number of female licensed engineers.
Evidence of that success was on display earlier this month in Vancouver when another 65 women were officially inducted into the profession. In all, we estimate more than 275 women will earn their Professional Engineer designation in B.C. this year. As female engineers and leaders, there is no prouder moment than standing on stage as these young, talented professionals receive their licence to practise, signifying their commitment to public safety.
Women like Jeanie Chan, a building-performance engineer who aspires to guide designers in building greener, more sustainable cities. Or Sarah Zibin, a project engineer at Metro Vancouver who has a passion for ensuring our drinking water is clean and safe.
These women represent hope for a new generation of engineers who will bring expertise, creativity and diversity to this vital career.
However, more work is necessary. It’s important for our communities and the competitiveness of our economy that young women be encouraged to enter the STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and math — and that women see role models in the workplace.
Fortunately, the provincial government recognizes the importance of engineering, recently adding hundreds of new student spaces at B.C. universities dedicated to civil, environmental and software engineering. In addition, the government announced $100,000 in new scholarships to support women in technology, in an effort to inspire a new generation of women to pursue science- and technologyrelated professions such as engineering.
These kinds of initiatives can help address the gender disparity in engineering and ensure the profession remains relevant. Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. is also contributing to solutions by endorsing a Canadian strategy called 30-by-30, which aims to raise the percentage of newly licensed female engineers to 30 per cent by 2030.
The goal is achievable, and we are actively investing in solutions that enhance women’s engagement in the profession, improve workplace inclusivity and empower young women to embrace science, technology, engineering and math.
As British Columbians, it’s a strategy upon which the health of our economy depends. Facing a wave of retirements and a looming skills shortage, the coming decade will be marked by rapid change and challenges.
But there are also opportunities to diversify our workplaces and open them up to new perspectives, to increase our talent pool and to increase our economic security.
Today, as we invent the world of tomorrow, it has never been more important to inspire young women and encourage them to pursue a rewarding career in engineering.