ANT Industries, a leading manufacturer in the aerospace industry, specialising in manufacture of components for aero engines and gas turbine engines, stands proud in its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the recent commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024 by encouraging more women to consider a career in the aerospace industry. In a celebration of the roles women play in the business in hope to inspire other, the firm acknowledges the significance of this global event in fostering a culture of equality and empowerment within the manufacturing sector.
Georgina Rowley, Project Manager at ANT Industries, discussed the importance of empowering women in manufacturing, stating, “Empowering women in the manufacturing sector isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a strategic imperative. International Women’s Day lets us reflect on the progress we have achieved and brings awareness to the steps we still need to take.”
In the UK manufacturing sector, gender diversity remains a pressing issue, as recent statistics reveal a stark underrepresentation of women, particularly in engineering roles. Despite the sector’s significant expansion and the proliferation of job opportunities, the number of female engineers remains disproportionately low. According to recent data, only a fraction of engineering professionals in the UK are women, highlighting a systemic barrier to gender diversity within the industry. This lack of representation not only deprives the sector of valuable talent but also perpetuates gender stereotypes and limits opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Moreover, the underrepresentation of women in UK manufacturing exacerbates the issue of unfulfilled job vacancies, further hindering the sector’s growth and innovation potential. As the industry experiences rapid expansion and technological advancements, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. However, the persistent gender gap in engineering roles contributes to a talent shortage, leaving many job vacancies unfilled. Addressing the issue of gender diversity is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic imperative for the UK manufacturing sector to harness the full spectrum of talent and expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Diversity and inclusion play a pivotal role in driving innovation and progress within the manufacturing industry. By embracing perspectives and contributions from a wider pool of talent, companies like ANT Industries can cultivate a culture of collaboration, respect, and support, ultimately driving excellence in today’s rapidly evolving industry.
“Diversity and inclusion disrupt complacency and drive innovation that propels our industry forward,” Rowley continued. “At ANT Industries, we recognise the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms and championing the voices of women in manufacturing.”
As ANT Industries commemorates International Women’s Day, the company reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. By fostering a diverse workforce, ANT Industries aims to continue driving innovation, growth, and success in the manufacturing sector.
Pictured here are: Lesley Briscoe – Assistant Quality Manager, Georgina Rowley, Project Manager, Michelle Cole – Purchasing Manager, Carly Brookes – Assistant Purchasing Manager, Viera Zatkova – Inspector, Julie Walker – Financial Controller, Marie Faulkner – Accounts & Payroll and Lydia Rowley – Accounts