GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Engineering Industry Statistics

The engineering industry continues to struggle with diversity, with underrepresented groups making up a small proportion of the workforce.

Highlights: Diversity In The Engineering Industry Statistics

  • Nearly 20% of engineering graduates in the U.S. are women, while only 13% actually go on to work as engineers.
  • In 2016, only 6% of the engineering workforce in the UK identified as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME).
  • In Canada, only 22% of engineers are women, and specifically, only 12.8% of licensed engineers are women.
  • A survey found that 75% of Black and Latinx engineers in the U.S. have experienced racial or ethnic bias.
  • In India, only 30% of the engineering force is female.
  • 40% of women engineers quit the field or never enter the field after graduating.
  • Aboriginal people make up 3.9% of Canada’s population but only 1.1% of practicing engineers.
  • Engineers who identify as LGBTQ+ are significantly less likely to become professionally-licensed engineers than their heteronormative colleagues.
  • In New Zealand, the number of Maori and Pasifika engineering graduates doubled between 2008 and 2018, yet they still only represent 4% of all engineering graduates.
  • White women make up 18% of the US's engineering workforce, while Black and Hispanic women make up just 2% and 3%.
  • As of 2017, people with disabilities make up 6.8% of the engineering workforce in the US.

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The Latest Diversity In The Engineering Industry Statistics Explained

Nearly 20% of engineering graduates in the U.S. are women, while only 13% actually go on to work as engineers.

The statistic indicates that there is a significant gap between the proportion of women who graduate with engineering degrees in the United States, which stands at nearly 20%, and the number of women who pursue careers as engineers, which is only 13%. This suggests that while women are earning engineering degrees at a relatively high rate, a considerable portion of them are not entering the engineering workforce. This could be attributed to various factors including societal norms, workplace dynamics, lack of support or opportunities, or personal choices. It underscores the importance of addressing barriers and promoting inclusivity in the engineering field to ensure that qualified women are encouraged and able to pursue successful careers in engineering.

In 2016, only 6% of the engineering workforce in the UK identified as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME).

The statistic indicates that in 2016, only 6% of the engineering workforce in the UK identified as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME). This points to a disproportionate representation of ethnic minorities in the field of engineering, highlighting potential disparities in access, recruitment, and retention for individuals from diverse backgrounds. The low percentage suggests a lack of diversity within the engineering sector, which may lead to underrepresentation of BAME groups in decision-making roles and innovation processes. Addressing this imbalance is crucial for promoting inclusivity, equal opportunities, and harnessing a wide range of perspectives and talents within the engineering industry.

In Canada, only 22% of engineers are women, and specifically, only 12.8% of licensed engineers are women.

In Canada, only 22% of individuals working as engineers are women, indicating a significant gender disparity in the field. Furthermore, when looking specifically at licensed engineers, the representation of women drops even further to just 12.8%. This statistic highlights a concerning lack of gender diversity within the engineering profession, suggesting potential barriers or biases that may be hindering women from entering and advancing in the field. Addressing this disparity is crucial for promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities in the engineering sector, ultimately leading to a more balanced and representative workforce.

A survey found that 75% of Black and Latinx engineers in the U.S. have experienced racial or ethnic bias.

The statistic reported from a survey indicates that a significant majority, specifically 75%, of Black and Latinx engineers in the U.S. have encountered instances of racial or ethnic bias. This suggests a prevalent issue of discrimination and inequality within the engineering field for individuals from these minority groups. Such bias can manifest in various forms, including stereotyping, unequal treatment, and lack of opportunities, which can ultimately impact the experiences, opportunities, and advancement of Black and Latinx engineers in their professional careers. This statistic highlights the need for addressing systemic racism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the engineering sector to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all engineers regardless of race or ethnicity.

In India, only 30% of the engineering force is female.

This statistic indicates that within the engineering sector in India, only 30% of the total workforce is comprised of women. This suggests a significant gender imbalance within the engineering field, with men making up a much larger proportion compared to women. The underrepresentation of women in engineering can have implications for diversity and inclusivity within the industry, potentially limiting the perspectives, ideas, and talent that women can bring to the field. Addressing this imbalance is important for promoting gender equality, increasing diversity, and unlocking the full potential of the engineering workforce in India.

40% of women engineers quit the field or never enter the field after graduating.

The statistic that 40% of women engineers quit the field or never enter it after graduating highlights a significant challenge in the field of engineering in terms of gender diversity and retention. This statistic suggests that a substantial portion of women who obtain engineering degrees either face barriers that lead them to leave the field or encounter obstacles that prevent them from entering it altogether. These barriers could include workplace discrimination, lack of support or mentorship, limited opportunities for advancement, or a hostile work environment. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable engineering industry that can better leverage the talents and perspectives of all individuals, regardless of gender.

Aboriginal people make up 3.9% of Canada’s population but only 1.1% of practicing engineers.

This statistic indicates a significant underrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the field of engineering relative to their proportion in the overall Canadian population. While Aboriginal people make up 3.9% of Canada’s population, they account for only 1.1% of practicing engineers. This disparity suggests that there are barriers or challenges hindering the participation and representation of Aboriginal individuals in the engineering profession. Efforts to address this imbalance and promote diversity and inclusion in the engineering sector may be necessary to ensure equitable opportunities for all groups within Canadian society.

Engineers who identify as LGBTQ+ are significantly less likely to become professionally-licensed engineers than their heteronormative colleagues.

This statistic suggests that engineers who are part of the LGBTQ+ community have a lower likelihood of obtaining professional licensure compared to their heterosexual peers. This disparity indicates a systemic barrier or discrimination that exists within the engineering field, potentially hindering the career advancement and recognition of LGBTQ+ engineers. The findings highlight a potential need for increased support, advocacy, and diversity initiatives within the engineering profession to address and eliminate these disparities in licensure rates among individuals of different sexual orientations.

In New Zealand, the number of Maori and Pasifika engineering graduates doubled between 2008 and 2018, yet they still only represent 4% of all engineering graduates.

The statistic highlights a positive trend in New Zealand where the number of Maori and Pasifika engineering graduates doubled over a decade, from 2008 to 2018. This increase reflects efforts to improve diversity and representation within the engineering field. However, despite this growth, Maori and Pasifika graduates still only make up 4% of all engineering graduates in the country. This statistic underscores the ongoing need for further support and initiatives to enhance opportunities and access for underrepresented groups in the engineering sector, aiming for greater diversity and inclusivity in the field.

White women make up 18% of the US’s engineering workforce, while Black and Hispanic women make up just 2% and 3%.

This statistic highlights a significant disparity in the representation of women from different racial backgrounds in the engineering workforce in the United States. While White women comprise 18% of the engineering workforce, Black and Hispanic women are severely underrepresented at only 2% and 3% respectively. This imbalance sheds light on the intersectionality of gender and race in the field of engineering, indicating a lack of diversity and inclusion that may stem from systemic barriers and discrimination. Addressing these disparities and creating more equitable opportunities for women of all racial backgrounds in engineering is essential for promoting diversity, innovation, and equality in the workforce.

As of 2017, people with disabilities make up 6.8% of the engineering workforce in the US.

The statistic indicates that as of 2017, individuals with disabilities represented 6.8% of the total workforce within the engineering sector in the United States. This data point highlights the level of representation and inclusion of people with disabilities within the engineering industry. It suggests that there is a presence of individuals with disabilities in engineering professions but also indicates that there may be room for improvement in terms of increasing diversity and inclusivity within the workforce. Additionally, it may prompt further examination of potential barriers that individuals with disabilities face in entering and thriving in engineering careers, as well as efforts to enhance opportunities and support for greater participation and success of individuals with disabilities in the field.

References

0. – https://www.www.raeng.org.uk

1. – https://www.www.npr.org

2. – https://www.www.pewsocialtrends.org

3. – https://www.engineerscanada.ca

4. – https://www.www.bbc.com

5. – https://www.www.nsf.gov

6. – https://www.www.catalyst.org

7. – https://www.www.royalsociety.org.nz

8. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

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