IET YWE Awards: tipping the gender balance?

An experienced science teacher recently explained that “girls cannot be taught science or technology – they’ve got the wrong type of brain”. Asked if he had been to the IET’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year (YWE) award in December, he responded that he had not, pointing out that the event merely supported his argument – the finalists being “freaks” with “wrongly-wired” brains!

In Britain, technology is still considered a male world. A recent survey of 7-11 year-olds, revealed an image of engineering as ‘boring’, with girls seeing it as a ‘dirty’, ‘messy’ profession. Yet, according to a study by the Institute of Physics, girls are higher achievers than boys in science subjects.

An Engineering UK report argues that, while engineering enjoys increased popularity for women, Britain’s pace of change is too slow, leaving the country vulnerable in the face of global challenges. Women remain one of the most under-utilised resources: only 4 per cent of engineering and manufacturing apprentices are female, with the UK having the lowest proportion of female engineering professionals in the EU. The report goes on to emphasise the need for role models - widely recognised as a successful tool.

The IET’s prestigious YWE award highlights the best female engineer under 30, recognising her achievements in order to encourage others to enter the profession. Members are invited to nominate a friend or colleague who fits the bill; those who are not too shy can nominate themselves. The winner must be an able ambassador, representing women in engineering and acting as an inspirational role model: a high-achieving problem-solver who is a charismatic team player. Quite a set of specifications!

December’s glittering finals were held in the splendid surroundings of the IET’s Savoy Place building in London. Last year’s winner, Arlene McConnell, opened proceedings with an extraordinarily spirited presentation of life as an engineer. Captain Charlotte Joyce was named 2011 IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year for her skill in leading soldiers in dangerous and challenging environments. She received a trophy and £1,000. The award for outstanding female engineering apprentice went to Laurie-Ann Benner, while the Women’s Engineering Society Prize was taken by Kelly-Anne Walker.

Professor Andy Hopper, IET deputy president, described all the finalists as “shining industry examples”. He added: “Their recognition…will hopefully inspire other young women to consider engineering as a worthwhile career. I offer my sincere congratulations to them all.”

Myleene Klass was the evening’s enthusiastic presenter, an excellent choice: she has strong views on teenagers’ needs for effective role models. A planetary science graduate, she recently launched an initiative to boost the take-up of physics in schools: “Astronomy is what keeps me sane,” she said, before revealing her ‘secret’ qualification for presenting the YWE prizes to “uber-clever” young women: a photograph of herself as an eight year old being awarded an engineering prize by Carol Vorderman. A perfect example of a little girl growing into a professional role model!