Recently, recognition of the importance of gender diversity within industries traditionally dominated by men, such as utilities and engineering, has increased. These sectors play a key role in powering our infrastructure and innovation, yet they continue to face significant challenges in attracting and retaining female talent, leading to low female representation in a high-demand area.

At Lanes, we are committed to addressing this imbalance. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to innovation, team cohesion, and long-term success. As part of our mission, we are creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can thrive and build rewarding careers.

This blog post explores the current representation of women in utilities and engineering, the barriers they face, and how Lanes is actively working to lead the way in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for women in the workplace.

Current Statistics on Women in Utility and Engineering Sectors

Despite the growing demand for skilled professionals in utilities and engineering, these sectors continue to struggle with gender diversity. Recent data highlights the disparity:

• According to data from the Office for National Statistics, there were just over 18 million women in work in the UK as of June 2024. Of these, only 69,074        were employed in roles relating to water supply (only 0.38% of the overall female workforce), while only 35,896 were involved in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector (around 0.2% of the overall female workforce)
• In 2023, women accounted for just 15.7% of the engineering and technology workforce, a decline from 16.5% in 2022. This equates to a loss of 38,000 women in these roles over a year.
• The utility sector fares slightly better, with 17% of its workforce comprising women, but this still falls significantly below the UK average of 47% across all trades.
• In 2024, women make up 30% of the utilities workforce. However, Utility Week highlights that a deeper concern is the lack of retention: a significant drop in female representation occurs between the ages of 35 and 64, reflecting systemic challenges in supporting women through mid- and late-career stages.

These statistics paint a clear picture of the challenges facing the utility and engineering industries. The gender gap in these fields not only limits career opportunities for talented women. but also deprives the sector of diverse perspectives and skills critical for innovation.

Recognising these industry-wide issues, we have taken steps to increase female representation across all roles, from entry-level to leadership positions. We believe that by creating an inclusive workplace, we can empower more women to succeed and thrive in the utilities sector.

Why Female Representation Matters

Diversity in the workplace is a catalyst for growth, innovation and improved team dynamics. In industries like utilities and engineering, where women remain underrepresented, increasing female participation is essential for several reasons:

• Diverse perspectives drive innovation: women bring unique viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving, enhancing creativity and innovation. In technical fields such as utilities and engineering, this diversity can lead to the development of better, more efficient solutions.
• Broadening the talent pool: by encouraging more women to enter these fields, the sector gains access to a wider range of skills and experiences. This is particularly important in an industry facing skills shortages and increasing demand for specialised knowledge.
• Creating role models for future generations: female representation at all levels provides inspiration for young women considering careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Visible role models can challenge stereotypes and show that success is achievable.
• Improving organisational culture: gender-diverse teams often demonstrate better collaboration and morale, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment. This contributes to higher employee satisfaction and loyalty.
• Reflecting the communities we serve: the utilities sector works closely with diverse communities across the UK. A workforce that mirrors this diversity is better equipped to understand and meet the needs of its customers.

At Lane, our efforts to increase female representation are not only about creating equal opportunities but also about building a stronger, more dynamic organisation. By empowering women within our workforce, we can help drive progress across the entire industry.

Challenges Facing Women in Utility and Engineering Roles

The underrepresentation of women in utilities and engineering is not accidental; it is the result of systemic barriers that discourage or prevent talented women from entering or remaining in these fields. Below are some of the most significant challenges they face:

• Gender pay disparities: pay gaps between men and women remain a persistent issue, deterring women from pursuing or advancing in roles where they feel undervalued.
• Lack of role models and mentors: the scarcity of women in senior positions or visible roles within these industries makes it harder for others to envision a long-term career path in these sectors.
• Balancing career and family responsibilities: without flexible working arrangements or childcare support, many women struggle to balance professional and personal commitments, particularly in demanding roles or on-call work typical in utilities and engineering.
• Cultural and workplace barriers: women entering male-dominated industries often face unconscious biases or cultural norms that marginalise their contributions. In some cases, this manifests as a lack of inclusion in decision-making or opportunities for advancement.
• Retention issues: the significant drop in female representation between the ages of 35 and 64 suggests that industries fail to adequately support women at key stages of their careers. This can result in talented professionals leaving the field altogether.

How Lanes Addresses These Challenges

At Lanes, we are aware of these issues and are working to tackle them. Our initiatives include:

• Closing the pay gap: we ensure pay equity across all roles, regularly reviewing salary structures to promote fairness.
• Promoting role models: we celebrate the achievements of women within our organisation, offering mentorship opportunities to help staff envision and achieve career progression.
• Offering flexible working arrangements: our rotas and working patterns are designed to accommodate diverse needs, including family and health commitments.
• Fostering an inclusive culture: through regular training and awareness initiatives, we ensure that all employees understand the value of diversity and feel supported in their roles.

Career Opportunities at Lanes

Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance in your career, Lanes provides the support, training and resources needed to succeed. We offer diverse career paths across our 25 depots, utility hubs and offices throughout the UK. These roles include:

• Field-based positions: drainage engineers, jetting assistants and drivers.
• Technical and operational roles: CCTV surveyors, schedulers and equipment specialists.
• Office-based opportunities: HR, finance, marketing and customer service. Our positions are open to candidates of all backgrounds, and we actively encourage women to apply for roles where they have traditionally been underrepresented.

Our inclusive workplace culture ensures all employees feel valued and supported:

• Flexible working hours to accommodate family or personal needs.
• Comprehensive benefits packages, including childcare support and competitive pay.
• A focus on employee wellbeing through health and safety initiatives, mental health support, and team-building activities.

By joining Lanes, you become part of a company committed to setting new standards for gender equality in the utilities sector. Our ongoing efforts to recruit and support women reflect our belief that a more diverse workforce is key to the industry’s future success.

If you are considering a career in the utilities sector, Lanes offers an opportunity to thrive in an environment that values your skills and potential. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced professional, there is a place for you at Lanes. Browse our jobs today.

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