EngineeringUK releases updated workforce data
29/07/2025
New workforce data released by EngineeringUK reveals there are 6.4 million people employed in engineering and technology roles in the UK, which represents around a fifth of the workforce (19.3%).
Women remain significantly underrepresented in engineering and technology, with only 16.9% of the workforce being women, compared to 56% of other occupations. UK minority ethnic groups are also underrepresented, making up 14% of the workforce, compared to 18% of other occupations, while people with disabilities make up 14% of the engineering and technology workforce, lower than the 19% across all other occupations.
Becca Gooch, EngineeringUK Head of Research, said: “The latest data shows that there is still more to be done before we have the diverse workforce we need for UK engineering and technology to thrive. Women remain the most underrepresented group. Back in 2010, women made up around 10% of the workforce, so 16.9% is certainly an increase, but over 15 years this is slow progress for a sector growing faster than any other between now and 2030.
“Our research shows that introducing young people to what a career in engineering and technology could mean for them ignites a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young people from all backgrounds. STEM outreach programmes such as The Big Bang, Energy Quest and the Climate Schools Programme help bring to life real-world engineering and tech careers for young people. But we would like the sector, which has a skills and labour shortage, to do much, much more to recruit and retain talented women.”
EngineeringUK has partnered with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) to address the underrepresentation of women. Together they aim to drive a collective mission to increase the number of girls in education pathways to engineering and technology at 18, focusing on key areas influencing girls’ and young women’s engineering and technology career choices.
The latest briefing with the updated engineering and technology workforce data and analysis is available on the EngineeringUK website at: www.engineeringuk.com/workforce
