UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL 00:01 13th May 2014
ONLY 3% OF GIRLS IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS WOULD CONSIDER A CAREER IN
ENGINEERING
Girls at English schools think boys have a much better chance of getting jobs in engineering
with just 43% saying they have the same opportunities in the industry. As a result, just 3%
would consider a career in engineering.
At university technical colleges (UTCs) however, the picture is different. Nearly two thirds
(65%) of girls believe they have the same job opportunities as boys in engineering. This
trend continues in other male dominated sectors, including technology where three quarters
(75%) of girls at UTCs believe they have the same job chances. In science the figure is
higher still, at 83%.
The findings are part of two surveys commissioned by Baker Dearing Educational Trust, of
14-18 year old students at university technical colleges and other mainstream schools.
The surveys also show a worrying difference in how confident girls feel about getting a job
when they leave education. 90% of girls at UTCs felt confident they could get a job
compared to just 76% at other mainstream schools. What’s more, almost double the number
of girls attending UTCs (83%) felt they had gained valuable practical skills compared to just
49% at other mainstream schools.
Lord Baker, chair of Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the charity behind UTCs, said:
“The UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe1. We
have to challenge out-dated ideas that careers in engineering, science and technology are
more suitable for boys than girls. Girls at university technical colleges are leading the way,
demonstrating the kind of talent, commitment and interest in these subjects that this country
so desperately needs. It’s vital that this message is championed in other schools as well.”
The Royal Academy of Engineering estimates that the UK economy will require 830,000
scientists, engineers and technologists by 2020. Attracting girls as well as boys to study for
careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at school is crucial to
meet these skills requirements.
Philip Greenish CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said,
“The UK needs many more people with skills in innovation, creativity and enterprise – skills
that are fundamental to engineering and key to the UK’s competitive edge. University
Technical Colleges are superbly positioned to reach out to young people from all
backgrounds, male and female, and to bring to life the wonderful opportunities available from
a career in engineering.”
UTCs are working with organisations including the WISE Campaign to challenge stereotypes
and communicate to parents and girls the diverse employment opportunities and financial
rewards these careers can offer.
UTCs are specialist technical schools where employers are heavily involved in the
curriculum, effectively training the next generation of Britain’s scientists, engineers and technicians. 14-18 year olds study for GCSEs and A-Levels alongside specialist technical
qualifications to give them a broad academic grounding as well as important practical skills
1
Royal Academy of Engineering
and real life experience of work. 17 UTCs are open and more will open in September across
England.
Notes to editors
For media enquiries, quotes, case studies & images contact:
Susan Higgins on 020 7960 1546 Mob: 07825 437 691 shiggins@utcolleges.org
Anna Pedroza on 0207960 1554 Mob:07813938020 apedroza@utcolleges.org
About the surveys
The research for The Baker Dearing Educational Trust was carried out by Opinion Matters and
directly with students at UTCs in March and April 2014. A sample of 1691, 14-18 year old
students were surveyed across both university technical colleges and mainstream schools.
About Baker Dearing Educational Trust
Baker Dearing Educational Trust was founded by Lord Baker and Lord Dearing to promote the
concept of university technical colleges. It is a small, flexible organisation that sits at the centre of
the UTC network and focuses on promoting and supporting new and existing UTCs.
About university technical colleges
 The UK needs advanced technical skills if we are to prosper in the 21st century. UTCs are
teaching the inventors, engineers, scientists and technicians of tomorrow.

University technical colleges (UTCs) are technical secondary schools for 14-18 year olds.
They offer a broad curriculum that combines an academic education with technical and
practical learning.

UTCs integrate technical, practical and academic learning. They use the latest equipment
and technology to provide an environment where students can thrive and develop the
skills employers need.

A university and local employers back each UTC.

More than 500 employers support UTCs including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Network Rail
and Microsoft, as well as scores of small and medium sized businesses. Together with
nearly 50 universities they contribute their knowledge as well as offering opportunities to
experience the world of work.

UTCs teach one or more technical specialisms that meet the skills shortages in the
region. These include: engineering; manufacturing; health sciences; product design;
digital technologies; and the built environment.

17 UTCs are open, 33 are approved and there will be 50 open by 2015. When fully
operational there will be places for more than 30,000 students.

Students from UTCs stay in full time study, start an apprenticeship, or get a job. So far no
student has joined the ranks of the unemployed.

More information about UTCs: www.utcolleges.org