HSQ Industry Insights - Women in Engineering
Hi Reader,
Welcome to our monthly newsletter! As it's Women in Engineering day on 23rd June we wanted to talk about the statistics of the female workforce, how technology could level gender disparity, and how we at HSQ are championing inclusivity in the built environment
Read more below!
Only 15% of the construction workforce is female, according to the ONS.
In recent years, the construction industry has experienced a significant and necessary transformation, with an increasing recognition of the vital role that Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) play in both the workplace and society at large. Despite being predominantly male-dominated on a global scale, the construction sector is now witnessing a heightened emphasis on enhancing inclusion and diversity, with many employers and industry organisations actively working toward this goal. But, we still need to do more to promote diversity in construction.
Here are some straightforward methods for a business to enhance its diversity:
🟢Craft job descriptions that promote inclusivity.
🟢Establish partnerships with recruitment agencies that have access to diverse talent networks.
🟢Consider candidates with transferable skills and potential, even if they lack direct experience.
🟢Design your application process to be inclusive.
🟢Ensure fairness in the shortlisting process.
🟢Accommodate reasonable adjustments during interviews.
🟢Thoroughly prepare for inclusive interviews.
🟢Conduct interviews with an inclusive tone and ask appropriate questions.
There are numerous advantages to enhancing diversity within the workforce. It fosters diverse perspectives, enabling the exploration of a broad spectrum of ideas. It enhances the industry's alignment with its customer base and the broader society it serves. The construction industry is designed for all, and the greater inclusivity achieved by the industry, the better it can meet the needs of our communities.
At HSQ Recruitment, we bridge the gap between clients and candidates.
If you are looking for a recruitment agency that can truly guide you in how to get the best for your teams, then contact HSQ Recruitment on 0113 887 4430 or email recruitment@hsqrecruitment.com
The construction industry is experiencing a significant change as digital transformations replace traditional practices and methods of working. the digital sector also struggles to maintain gender equality, as only 26% of workers in the sector are female, with the percentage having a large decrease in senior roles.
Technological developments can present further challenges for gender equality, as qualities inherent in entrepreneurship such as wealth, growth, innovation and risk are traits historically associated with masculinity. Due to this, roles in technology and science, are largely dominated by men and are seen as male-dominated industries.
Alongside this, when learning skills outside of the core working hours, which results in career progression, can be more difficult for women, who tend to have more care responsibilities.
The digital future of construction can also bring an opportunity for transformation. Individuals are beginning to consider how we can proactively use these technological developments to make the construction sector more inclusive.
Read our blog here for more information
One significant challenge faced by women in the rail industry is the demanding shift patterns. Rail operations often require working unsociable hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. While these schedules may be manageable for some, they pose significant barriers for others, especially women with caregiving responsibilities.
The industry must tackle the issue of shift patterns, recognising that the current arrangements may not be working to attract and retain female talent. This factor contributes to the staggering statistic of 22,000 qualified women not returning to the rail sector after career or maternity breaks.
To address this challenge, the industry must be willing to innovate and adapt. By reevaluating and potentially redesigning shift patterns, organisations can create a more accommodating work environment for women. This might involve implementing flexible scheduling options or providing support for childcare services. Small changes in this area can significantly impact improving gender diversity within the rail industry.
HSQ believes in the power of partnerships to achieve ED&I goals. By collaborating with like-minded organisations, communities, and individuals, they work towards creating more equitable and inclusive recruitment landscapes.
The civil engineering, rail, and construction sectors play a pivotal role in shaping the physical and economic landscapes of our society. Embedding ED&I in these sectors is not just a moral or legal requirement but a strategic necessity for innovation, societal reflection, and economic growth.
HSQ Recruitment, through our knowledgeable, strategic, and collaborative approach, is not just supporting but leading the charge in transforming these industries into more inclusive and diverse workplaces. As these sectors continue to evolve, the role of ED&I will only become more significant, and pioneers like HSQ Recruitment will be at the forefront of this transformative journey.
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Rail | Southeastern launches biggest-ever recruitment drive
Southeastern Railway has initiated its largest recruitment drive to date, encouraging individuals to consider a career in the rail industry.
A variety of positions are open, with Southeastern looking to hire 170 trainee drivers, over 100 station staff, and additional roles in Railway Enforcement and Protection, Onboard Managers, Train Conductors, and Engineers. There are also opportunities in management and specialised fields.
To support this unprecedented recruitment effort, Southeastern has launched a distinctive advertising campaign aimed at attracting people from communities who might not have previously considered a career in rail.
Southeastern aims to identify and eliminate barriers to opportunity, increasing social mobility and enhancing the diversity of its workforce by 10% annually. The company seeks to challenge outdated perceptions of railway careers.
READ MORE HERE
Construction | Balfour takes first phase of £690m electricity line job
Balfour Beatty plc has secured a contract to deliver the first phase of a 137km power line project in Scotland.
The contractor will handle the design and development of phase one for Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN), a portion of the £690 million project valued at £32 million for Balfour Beatty.
Balfour Beatty will focus on ecological and environmental requirements, such as peat management and wildlife translocation. Additionally, they will develop a workers' village on the Isle of Skye to provide on-site accommodation and minimise disruption to local residents.
READ MORE HERE
Energy | Offshore energy sector forecasts 50% job growth by 2030
With supportive policies, capital investment in the UK’s domestic offshore energy sectors—including oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage—could surge by over 50%, from around £13 billion last year to more than £20 billion by the early 2030s.
The Economy & People 2024 report from Offshore Energies UK underscores the sector’s crucial role in the nation’s economic future, stressing the importance of supportive government policies following the upcoming elections.
The oil and gas sector is estimated to contribute about 1% (£25 billion) to the UK economy, supporting 1 in every 160 jobs.
READ MORE HERE
Civil Engineering | Proposed 8,500 capacity Edinburgh Park Arena secures planning permission
A proposal to construct a new 8,500-capacity arena in Edinburgh has received planning permission from the city’s council.
AEG Europe , the company behind the proposal, has been approved by the City of Edinburgh Council committee to move forward with its planned Edinburgh Park Arena.
The owner of London’s iconic O2 Arena and Berlin's Mercedes-Benz Arena is collaborating with developers and site owners Parabola on this new project. The arena will cover 18,500m² in Edinburgh Park, located to the west of the Scottish capital.
The proposed arena will have a maximum height of 30.5 meters, which is 11 meters taller than the adjacent Premier Inn hotel but 6 meters lower than the existing planning permission for a hotel and offices on the site.
READ MORE HERE
HSQ Recruitment is driven by a deep passion for the industries we cater to, where we have the privilege of witnessing revolutionary projects, state-of-the-art technologies, and transformative advancements that shape the industry's future, month after month. Follow our newsletter to join us as we delve into the latest and most pioneering innovations, projects, and transformations currently taking place. Together, let's explore the forefront of industry progress.