Why not try out an Apprenticeship in Engineering?

It's only a job, right? Well, yes and no. What job you choose to do makes up a big part of your life. Most people work between 35 and 40 hours a week if they work full time, many work more! Most people work until they are 60 – 65. That’s a pretty big chunk of your life so you want to make sure you do something you actually want to do. (From the brilliant website www.works4me.org.uk)

The Equal Opportunities Commission has recently completed a two-year investigation looking at why women and men continue to work in traditional jobs and why young people choose Apprenticeships and other vocational training in traditional sectors.

Why An Investigation?

Despite nearly 30 years of equality legislation, occupational segregation remains as entrenched as ever. While women are increasingly moving into law, medicine and accountancy, there is no similar movement into science, engineering, ICT and the skilled trades. (You can read the final report of the findings and recommendations - Free to Choose: Tackling gender barriers to better jobs here, or order a copy free of charge through the Helpline on 0845 601 5901).

Lower Pay

Statistics show that ¾ of working women are still found in just 5 occupational groups and in the five 'c' s – cleaning, catering, caring, cashiering and clerical. Jobs which are classified as women's work command lower wages than men's work even when they require similar qualification levels, leading to inequalities in pay and income. The Just Pay Task Force Report identified occupational segregation as one of the three key causes of the gender pay gap, which remains at 18% for women working full time and 41% for those working part-time. There is a clear financial incentive for women to choose training and work in sectors where men dominate the workforce, as pay tends to be higher in those areas.

Skills Shortages

At the same time as training and labour markets are characterised by occupational segregation, industry is experiencing major skills shortages. It is significant that those sectors which have the lowest number of women are also the sectors which are experiencing severe skills shortages.

There is a skill shortage in construction, engineering and information technology in many parts of the UK. The Government and employers are keen to attract more people into these careers. Plus, once you're fully trained and qualified, you could start thinking about being self employed. You've probably never considered a career in construction, engineering, information technology or plumbing. For one reason or another, you might not think it's the place for you.

But opportunities for women in these careers are huge. We want to help you get to know your place by giving you all the information about the career options you have and the reasons why they could suit you down to the ground. Did you know that in 2002/3, 99% of people starting Apprenticeships in engineering in England were men, while 97% of apprentices in early year care and education were women? The work that women tend to do 'is often less well paid than work traditionally done by men. In fact, the average hourly rate of pay for men working full-time is £12.88, while for women it's only £l 0.56.

Careers in construction, engineering, information technology or the skilled trades can be so varied that it's impossible to describe all the options. But they are all industries in which you solve problems, see the results of your work, help people, are part of a team, have a creative input and earn a good wage. So, if this sounds like the sort of career that would suit you, give it some serious consideration. If you're interested in working in construction, engineering, information technology or the skilled trades, get in touch.

• Call the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET (science, engineering and technology) on 01274 436485, email setwomenresource@bilk.ac.uk or visit www.setwomenresource.org.uk We provide free practical advice to women and have a comprehensive database of female role models and mentors that we can put you in touch with.

• Visit www.knowyourplace.org.uk for more frequently asked questions, case studies and contacts, plus information on how you can get involved with our campaign to recruit more women into these careers.

You will find lots more information on www.eoc.org.uk and on www.works4me.org.uk. The website which gives you information about breaking free of stereotypes so YOU can decide what works 4 you.