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declined in the last year , and many see the field as male dominated . In fact , women are leaving the profession at twice the rate of men , underscoring the urgent need for change .
Breaking down barriers
To address the skills shortage effectively , we must first tackle the barriers that stop people , especially women and underrepresented groups , from entering and staying in engineering .
One of the most effective ways to attract new talent is through diverse educational pathways that cater to different learning styles and career aspirations . Apprenticeships , for instance , provide a practical and accessible route into engineering for those who may not pursue a traditional university degree . At Perega , our apprenticeship programme combines hands-on experience with live projects , mentorship from seasoned professionals , and the opportunity to earn a civil engineering degree ( BEng ). This approach opens the door to a broader range of candidates and helps to build a more inclusive workforce .
However , awareness remains a significant hurdle . Many young people and their influencers are not aware of the variety of opportunities within engineering . The industry needs to do more to engage directly with educational establishments , providing clear and compelling information about the exciting and varied careers in our industry .
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