Research conducted by Energy & Utility Skills has found that only one-quarter of the energy and utility sector workforce are women, compared with 43% within the broader UK economy.
Moreover, the sector skills council (SSC) for the electricity, gas, waste management and water industry, found that less than 10% of women are employed in technical/managerial roles in the sector.
As a result, Energy & Utility Skills has joined a government-led initiative to encourage women to consider careers in traditionally ‘male-dominated’ professions.
It joins eight other SSCs already involved in a two-year scheme aimed at carrying out recommendations by the Women & Work Commission.
The council will also offer employers a subsidised personal development programme for women, designed to prepare them for significant career development within their companies.
Malcolm Naylor, director of skills and operations at Energy & Utility Skills, said: “Through working with employers to develop our Sector Skills Agreement, we have identified a clear need to encourage the career advancement of female employees.
“This initiative, supported by the Skills for Business Network, is superb news as it gives us the opportunity to improve women’s personal development by equipping female employees for more senior roles in their organisations,” Naylor concluded.
