The engineering and technology professions in B.C. are launching a new initiative to increase the number of women in science and technology-related occupations.

The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies BC (ACEC-BC), in partnership with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) and Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC), has announced the launch of the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology Project.

The two-year effort will implement diverse and inclusive strategies to recruit, retain, and support career development for women in these professions. This will be accomplished through the creation of a provincial network of stakeholders to implement diversity and inclusion strategies leading to a system level cultural shift of increased female representation within the applied science and engineering sector.

The associations cited the average for newly registered female engineers in Canada is currently 17.4 per cent, a rate that has not increased over the last three years. As of Dec 31, 2017, B.C. ranked as having the third lowest participation rate in the country with 15.2 per cent, 2.2 per cent below the national average of 17.4 per cent for newly licenced female engineers.

The gap between supply and demand in B.C.’s workforce is a problem, and a key part of the solution is to increase the number of women and other under-represented groups in the applied science and engineering sector, states ACEC-BC.

A broad range of engagement activities will be offered, including workshops, employer hosted lunch-and-learn sessions, webinars, virtual career fairs, networking and celebratory events, and development of other resources to support diversity and inclusive practices in the workplace.

To learn more about upcoming events and activities, visit womeninengtech.ca.