4 minute read - 26th February 2025
Smart Manufacturing Week to drive inclusive engineering to gender and skills gap
Smart Manufacturing Week has announced partnerships with both Women into Science & Engineering (WISE) and the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), underscoring its commitment to fostering diversity in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Through these strategic partnerships with organisations dedicated to gender equality in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) Smart Manufacturing Week is helping to break down barriers and create more opportunities for women to thrive in an industry that has historically struggled with gender diversity, with the end goal of a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.
For over 40 years, WISE has worked to increase the number of women in STEM careers, helping businesses foster more inclusive environments to facilitate this. A key focus of their efforts is ensuring that school-age girls are aware of the opportunities available to them in these fields. Recognising the importance of early engagement, this year’s STEM programme at Smart Manufacturing Week has been expanded to include school-age students, reinforcing the synergy between the two organisations.
Smart Manufacturing Week takes place at the NEC on 4th and 5th June 2025 / Picture: Nineteen Group
Katherine Watson of WISE, said of the collaboration: “We work with organisations across STEM to improve gender equity and Smart Manufacturing Week gives us a fantastic platform to reach both industry leaders and young people. The earlier we can get in front of students and open their eyes to STEM careers, the better.”
WISE operates a membership model, supporting businesses and institutions in making their workplaces more inclusive. Their outreach efforts, among many others, include a digital platform showcasing over 1200 female STEM role models, “It’s all about showing young people that there’s a place for them in STEM, regardless of background.” explained Katherine.
Smart Manufacturing Week’s modern and engaging approach to manufacturing complements WISE’s mission. “There’s still a perception that engineering is all about physical strength, grease and overalls but Smart Manufacturing Week showcases the true digital reality of the industry in the modern world.” Katherine said. By actively working to disrupt this outdated image, Smart Manufacturing Week helps highlight the dynamic and creative side of manufacturing and engineering.
In addition to working with WISE, Smart Manufacturing Week has also forged a strategic partnership with the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), an organisation with a long history of advocating for women in engineering. Founded in 1919, WES has been at the forefront of efforts to create an industry that reflects the diversity of society and is dedicated to tackling the gender diversity disparity within engineering fields.
Susan Robson MBE, CEO (Interim) of WES emphasised the importance of connecting industry with talent: “We know that the engineering sector faces a significant skills gap and fostering innovation is crucial to tackling global challenges like climate change and productivity. Through Smart Manufacturing Week, we aim to bridge the gap between industry and female talent, ensuring that women not only enter engineering careers but also thrive in inclusive workspaces.”
Smart Manufacturing Week has announced partnerships with both Women into Science & Engineering and the Women’s Engineering Society / Picture: Nineteen Group
Beyond individual career journeys Susan highlights the wider shifts affecting diversity efforts across global industries, “What’s interesting now is not just the change that has happened so far, but the change that’s coming next, given what is happening in the USA. Large firms operate globally and don’t exist in a vacuum. While some may find that political shifts challenge their company values, the smart organisations know that fostering diversity isn’t just about meeting DEI targets; it’s about securing the best talent. Those who broaden their talent pool will be the ones who thrive.”
WES works across both startups and large corporations, helping businesses attract and retain diverse talent while showcasing inclusive employers to women seeking new opportunities. “For women who may have faced barriers in the past or are returning to work after a career break, it’s important to demonstrate that the industry is evolving. The engineering sector they left may not be the one they’re stepping into today.” Susan added.
Both WISE and WES will be actively engaging with attendees at Smart Manufacturing Week. WISE will be presenting at the Leadership & Strategy Theatre at 2pm on Day 2 (5th June) and have an exhibition stand (stand number: 5-P154) at Smart Manufacturing Week where they’re keen to engage with HR and EDI (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion) professionals, senior leaders and anyone passionate about driving real change in the industry. “Allyship is crucial. This isn’t just about women. Everyone has a role to play in making STEM more inclusive.” Katherine emphasised.
WES will be present at their exhibition stand (stand number: 5-C182) where they will be ready to have conversations with professionals at all stages of their career and organisations of all sizes “If companies have growth and innovation goals, they must look at the broadest talent pool available – it’s as simple as that.” Susan concluded.
Smart Manufacturing Week provides a crucial platform to spark important conversations, inspire future engineers and work towards shaping a more diverse workforce. “We want people to listen, get involved and take action,” Katherine said. “Because the sooner we make STEM more inclusive, the sooner we can close the gender gap for good.”
To find out more and register, visit: Smart Manufacturing Week