The engineering industry is evolving, but gender representation remains a challenge. In 2023, women made up just 15.7% of the UK’s engineering and technology workforce, down from 16.5% in 2022, representing a decline of approximately 38,000 women in these roles.

At Lanes Group, we recognise the need for real long-term change - not just surface-level commitments. We are actively recruiting women into engineering roles by providing flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training and development programmes, and creating an inclusive workplace culture. As we move into 2025 it seems that more companies, industry bodies and policymakers are following our lead to close the gender gap and create more opportunities for women in engineering. Here are the trends and opportunities we believe will shape 2025.

Expanding access through STEM education and outreach

​Early engagement with STEM subjects is crucial for encouraging more women to pursue engineering careers. Between 2010 and 2019, there was a 31% increase in entries from women and girls to STEM A-levels in the UK. Despite this progress, outdated stereotypes and a lack of visible role models continue to deter many girls from considering engineering as a viable career path.​

In response, organisations are expanding STEM outreach programmes, mentorship initiatives and scholarships to address these barriers. The WISE Campaign and Tomorrow’s Engineers have helped increase female engagement in STEM education, with STEM Learning alone reaching over 2 million people in the past year. Initiatives like these have the power to significantly improve career confidence and retention rates for women entering technical fields.

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is also driving awareness at a global level. First launched in 2014 and now supported by UNESCO, INWED focuses on celebrating female engineers and inspiring future generations. The 2025 theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, will emphasise the importance of collaboration and inclusion in shaping the industry’s future.

Industry-wide commitments to gender diversity

Employers across the UK are under increasing pressure to improve gender representation in engineering roles. In response, several major engineering firms in the UK are setting the pace of change with ambitious targets to enhance gender diversity within their workforces:​

• A leading engineering company has achieved gender parity on its board and introduced inclusivity initiatives and career progression support for women. ​
• Another prominent firm is targeting 50/50 gender parity in early careers recruitment by 2025, aiming to build an innovative and diverse culture.
• Another national firm has set a goal for 35% female representation among its management by 2025. ​

With many of the UK’s leading engineering firms now pledging to recruit and support more women into their teams, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic that 2025 really will be the year when lasting gender diversity begins to take hold across the sector.

More flexible and inclusive workplace policies

It’s notable that many of the women leaving engineering in recent years are aged 35 to 64, suggesting that retention - not just recruitment - is a big challenge. A lack of flexible working arrangements, career break penalties and limited promotion opportunities have historically led many women to leave the industry.

Now, more companies are addressing this with:

• Flexible shift patterns to accommodate different work-life balance needs.
• Career returner programmes to support women re-entering the workforce after a break.
• Structured career progression plans so female engineers have a clear route into senior roles.

In 2025, the engineering industry is no longer just talking about diversity - it is taking concrete steps to make it a reality. While challenges remain, these initiatives are already making engineering a more accessible and supportive career choice for women today.

Why Lanes is taking a leadership stance

We’re not just talking about change - we’re making it happen. At Lanes Group, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for women in engineering. Our approach includes:

• Flexible working options to support career longevity.
• Comprehensive training and development to provide skills growth.
• Competitive pay and benefits to create a fair and rewarding work environment.
• A strong workplace culture that values inclusion, mental health and team support.
• Visible female leadership to inspire the next generation.

Women are already leading across various departments at Lanes, proving that engineering isn’t just a viable career for women - it’s a space where they can thrive.

The future of women in engineering

The engineering industry is changing, but there’s still work to be done. Attracting, supporting and retaining more women is critical to the future of the sector. With better recruitment strategies, stronger workplace policies and increased industry commitment, 2025 presents more opportunities than ever for women considering a career in engineering.

At Lanes Group, we are actively working to shape a more inclusive future where talent, not gender, defines success. If you’re ready to start or progress your career in engineering, explore our opportunities today.

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