New EAL qualification supports female industry workers

EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications, is launching a new qualification to help women progress in typically male-dominated sectors.

Working in partnership with Enginuity , the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, the qualification was developed in support of the Career Investment and Progression programme. The programme has benefitted more than 1,000 female employees in companies such as BAE Systems, Atkins and Johnson Controls Automotive Experience.

The Career Investment and Progression Programme, which runs until March 2012, is jointly funded by employers and Enginuity , through the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) Employer Investment Fund.

EAL’s Level 3 Award in Career Advancement and Progression (QCF) aims to help individuals manage themselves and have a proactive approach to their career development. The qualification teaches them about better time management, goal setting and achieving targets, effective communication skills to different business audiences and the importance of managing a positive personal reputation and image.

Ann Watson, Managing Director of EAL, said: “A recent independent report from Engineering UK called for increased recruitment and development of women in the typically male-dominated industries of engineering and manufacturing technologies. The report stated that only 8.7 per cent of professional engineers in the UK are women – the lowest proportion in Europe.

“EAL’s Level 3 Award in Career Advancement and Progression provides vital support for women to upskill and develop careers in these industries. We must encourage more women to gain the right skills and qualifications to enter into and excel in engineering and manufacturing roles. This is not only to bridge the gap between male and female employees but also to ensure that we have enough skilled workers for the future of this vitally important industry.”

The new qualification is already benefitting 80 female employees at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness in a wide range of positions, from apprentices through to senior executives.

Stephanie Otoole, a Senior Materials Planner at BAE Systems, said: “The Enginuity programme has had such a positive result on my career so far. I’m now getting noticed a lot more for the work I’m doing and I’m also getting asked to do a lot more challenging work. The skills and techniques I have learnt have made me more understanding of how other members of the team work, and also how to make myself heard a lot more.

“It really has made a difference to my confidence as now I feel more comfortable in applying for managerial roles, to get the best out of my potential."

Adrian Tearle, Learning and Development Advisor at BAE Systems, added: “Our female employees expressed a desire to understand how to get ahead and a significant number of members of the women’s network wanted to get involved in the programme. We want our business to be inclusive and a place that women want to work, whilst also making the most of our talent pool. This programme gives our female employees the tools they need to reach their full potential which will, in turn, have a direct impact on the success of our business.”