The Retention and Renewal of Women in Engineering in New ZealandTracey Ayre and Elena TroutICWES15, AdelaideJuly 2011

Women are under-representedIn the profession: 13 % of engineers

16 % of technicians

In the IPENZ Membership:10 % of Members

In academic institutions: 23 % of students

Women in the IPENZ Membership – A Pipeline Problem

Engineering is missing out

2010/11 President’s InitiativePresident:

• Recognised the opportunity for the engineering profession to make a difference

• Proposed establishing the Task Force

The WIE Task Force

Tasked with establishing a business plan with clear, measurable targets.

The Plan’s objectives:• Diversity• Sustainability

Plan launched March 2011

IPENZ Vision for WIEAs a result of its diversity, engineering is seen as making a highly relevant contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth and well being.

The engineering profession is recognised as an employer of the best and brightest.

Engineering workplaces are diverse and have exemplary employment practices.

The number of engineers is sustainable in the long term.

Aspirational Targets

What is the value of WIE?• Ensures engineering employs the best and brightest

• Increases the number of engineers, reduces the ongoing skill shortage

• Ensures the profession is relevant, representative and competitive

• Encourages future generations into the profession

IPENZ already does some things• Schools’ programme

• Professional Development Partner scheme

• Publications/Profiling

• Remuneration Survey

• Research (NEEP)

• Liaison

New actionsBody of nominated NZ business leaders overseeing Plan

• Providing call to action and leading change

Actions proposed in Plan:

Researching barriers, economic benefits, choices

Collaborating with Engineers Australia and others

Supporting women through networking events

More new actions

Providing leadership programmes for women

Demonstrating leadership by IPENZ self-audit

Encouraging culture change through partners and programme for all members of profession

Recognising women’s involvement at the IPENZ Centenary and through IPENZ publications

Monitoring progress against IPENZ Membership figures

Our Success Engineering is a sustainable, diverse profession that

the best and brightest are attracted to join and remain in.

There are enough engineers to meet the demands of the market.

Practicing women engineers are commonplace.