Written by Lucy Cuthbert
Engineering has long been viewed as a male-dominated profession. However, across the UK and globally, women are increasingly reshaping the industry, bringing new perspectives, innovation and leadership to some of the most important challenges facing our built environment.
As the sector continues to evolve, the role of women in engineering has never been more important.
Breaking Barriers in Engineering
Over the past few decades, the number of women entering engineering has grown significantly. From structural and civil engineering to environmental and mechanical disciplines, women are making their mark across every area of the profession.
Yet the industry still has work to do. In the UK, women make up only a fraction of the engineering workforce, highlighting the importance of encouraging more girls and young women to pursue STEM careers.
By championing diversity and inclusion, engineering firms can unlock wider talent pools, improve problem-solving, and drive more creative solutions for clients and communities alike.
Why Diversity Strengthens Engineering
Engineering is fundamentally about solving complex problems. Diverse teams naturally bring different viewpoints, experiences and ways of thinking to a project.
Studies across multiple industries show that organisations with diverse teams are more innovative, more productive and better equipped to adapt to change.
For engineering practices, this means:
- Better design outcomes
- Stronger collaboration
- Improved innovation
- More sustainable solutions
When women thrive in engineering, the entire industry benefits.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging young women into engineering starts long before university. School outreach, mentorship and visibility of female role models all play a crucial role in demonstrating that engineering is a career open to everyone.
By sharing real experiences and career journeys, engineers can help inspire students to consider paths they may never have previously imagined.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Following International Women’s Day, our team has been reflecting on the importance of representation, mentorship and empowering future engineers.
We are proud to support initiatives that encourage young women to explore careers in engineering and the wider STEM sector.
Supporting Young Women at Langley School
Recently, our colleague Lauren attended an Empowering Women Day at Langley School, shortly after International Women’s Day celebrations.
The event brought together professionals from a range of industries to speak with students about career opportunities, personal experiences and the importance of confidence in pursuing ambitious goals.
Lauren spent time speaking with students about her journey into engineering, what a typical day in the industry looks like, and the many pathways available within the profession.
Events like this play an important role in helping young women see themselves in careers that may once have felt out of reach.
“I was delighted to be invited to take part in the ‘Women’s Empowerment Day 2026’ at Langley School last week. Over 20 women presented at the event, each with a different career to share to the girls who attended from three local schools. Each speaker hosted a workshop based on their careers, providing insights into what we do every day for work and the journey we have been on to get there. We finished the day all together with a quiz, insightful talks and made a positivity wall full of quotes. The room was buzzing! My personal aim was to educate students on what Civil Engineering is and hopefully inspire some future Engineers too.”
— Lauren Gray, Civil Engineer
At Schema, we believe the future of engineering is diverse, collaborative and inclusive and we’re proud to support the women helping to lead that future.
Contact us if you would like to discuss work opportunities or apprenticeships