Soft Skills to Encourage More Women into Engineering

The engineering sector, a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth, faces a pressing need to address gender disparity. Currently, women make up just 16.5% of engineers in the UK. Bridging this gap requires a multifaceted approach. While technical competencies are essential, developing key soft skills is equally vital to empowering women to succeed in an environment that is often both technically demanding and sometimes culturally challenging.

This blog explores the pivotal role of soft skills in fostering inclusivity and empowering more women in engineering careers, complemented by a strong technical foundation.

Why Soft Skills Matter in Engineering

The engineering industry is often stereotyped as a purely technical domain, prioritising hard skills like mathematics, software coding, and physics. While these technical abilities are critical, the increasing complexity of modern engineering projects and diverse work environments has elevated the importance of soft skills. Skills like collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership are integral to solving modern engineering challenges.

Whether working on cross-functional teams, presenting technical findings, or managing projects, engineers rely heavily on these interpersonal abilities. For women in engineering, these soft skills can set them apart, helping to overcome cultural biases and create pathways to leadership.

The Technical Backbone: Building Confidence Through Competence

A significant barrier that affects women entering and succeeding in engineering is the "confidence gap." This often stems from societal stereotypes suggesting that women lack the technical expertise required in STEM fields. For instance, the belief that technical professions require traditionally "masculine" traits can discourage women from considering these fields.  Empowering women with solid technical training is critical to bridging this gap. For instance:

• Coding and Software Development: Proficiency in languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ is often essential for roles in software engineering, signal processing, and robotics. Bootcamps and online platforms like Codecademy and Coursera can provide accessible pathways for women to build these skills.
• Problem-Solving in Electronics: Signal processing engineers use mathematical techniques like Fourier transforms and filter design. Women who develop expertise in these areas can contribute to innovative fields like telecommunications and aerospace.
• Data Analysis and Machine Learning: As AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning become integral into engineering it means that knowledge of frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch is valuable. Women equipped with these skills can thrive in data-driven roles that demand both technical expertise and teamwork.

By combining strong technical foundations with soft skills, women can effectively navigate the dual challenges of technical complexity and interpersonal dynamics.

Soft Skills as a Catalyst for Technical Success

1. Communication: Simplifying Complexity

Engineers often work in interdisciplinary teams, requiring them to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-specialists. Women with strong communication skills excel in bridging this gap.

For instance, a female systems engineer may collaborate with product marketing teams to explain the benefits of a new product or evaluate product roadmaps. This involves both technical understanding and the ability to articulate its real-world impact.

2. Adaptability: Thriving in a Rapidly Evolving Field

With technologies like IoT and renewable energy transforming engineering, adaptability has become a critical skill. Women must pivot between tools, methodologies, and disciplines to stay relevant.

For women re-entering the workforce after career breaks—whether for childcare, caregiving, or other reasons—adaptability is particularly crucial. Companies can support this by creating upskilling programs tailored for women, such as online courses or flexible workshops, making it easier to adapt to emerging trends.

3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Leadership with Empathy

Engineering projects are rarely solo endeavours. Teams must navigate tight deadlines, differing opinions, and high stakes. High EQ High EQ enables leaders to manage teams, navigate deadlines, and resolve conflicts effectively. Women, who often score higher on EQ measures, are naturally equipped for leadership roles that demand empathy and collaboration.

• For example, project managers in electronics NPI engineering must manage and align diverse teams of circuit designers, contractors, manufacturing engineering and suppliers.

4. Collaborative Innovation

Engineering thrives on diverse perspectives and teamwork. Women often bring a collaborative mindset that fosters inclusivity and drives innovation.

For example, the development of autonomous vehicle requires mechanical engineers, software developers, and user experience specialists. Women’s collaborative approach can bridge these disciplines to create comprehensive solutions.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes and Bias

Unconscious bias remains a significant barrier for women in engineering. Research reveals that women are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet 100% of the  qualifications, compare to men who apply with just 60% of the criteria​.

Some steps to address bias include:

• Unconscious Bias Training: Educating hiring managers to recognise and mitigate biases during recruitment.
• Role Models and Mentorship: Featuring successful female engineers in leadership roles can inspire others to follow suit. For instance, showcasing women in aerospace engineering or AI development challenges stereotypes and encourages participation.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Providing flexible work arrangements is essential for retaining women in engineering. Companies like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems have introduced initiatives such as job-sharing and remote work, helping women balance professional and personal responsibilities.

Key initiatives include:

• Retraining Programs: Offering resources to help women returning from career breaks update their technical skills.
• Inclusive Culture: Promoting a culture where adaptability and resilience are seen as strengths, not gaps.

The Path Forward: Building a Diverse Engineering Workforce

Encouraging more women to pursue engineering requires a collective effort from educational institutions, organisations, and industry leaders. Combining robust technical training with the development of key soft skills can help women overcome societal barriers and thrive in engineering careers.

At Redline Group, we believe that diversity fuels innovation.. By fostering a culture that values both technical expertise and interpersonal abilities, we can empower women to redefine engineering and shape a more inclusive future.

Ready to take the next step in your engineering career? Call us on 01582 450054 or email info@redlinegroup.com to explore opportunities. Together, we can close the gender gap and build a stronger, more equitable industry.