Semta supports women in science, engineering and manufacturing industries in the North West with launch of new programme
12/12/2011 Enginuity
Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies has this week announced the start of a new programme to support 80 female employees at BAE Systems, based in Barrow-in-Furness - as part of its Career Investment and Progression Programme.Aimed at developing female careers in traditionally male-dominated industries, the programme will benefit more than 350 female employees across the UK until March 2012.
BAE Systems' site in Barrow-in-Furness is responsible for the programme to design and build the new Astute class submarines for the Royal Navy. This provides a range of challenging career paths for female employees, from apprenticeships right through to senior executive positions. Many of these will now benefit from two workshops, including one on communication skills and one on personal image and exposure, as well as a diagnostics session which will help individuals participating in the scheme identify their strengths and weaknesses.
The Career Investment and Progression Programme, introduced to the business by its Women's Network, has been running since June 2011 and is jointly funded by employers and Semta, through the UKCES Employer Investment Fund. Following the course, £400 funding is made available for each female employee to fulfill further training needs.
Since the implementation of the programme, the company has seen an increase in the confidence of the women that are taking part and a more positive outlook towards their careers.
Stephanie Otoole, a Senior Materials Planner at BAE Systems, in Barrow, said: "The Semta programme has had such a positive result on my career so far. I'm now getting noticed a lot more for the work I'm doing and I'm also getting asked to do a lot more challenging work. The skills and techniques I have learnt have made me more understanding of how other members of the team work, and also how to make myself heard a lot more.
"It really has made a difference to my confidence as now I feel more comfortable in applying for more managerial roles, to get the best out of my potential."
Adrian Tearle, Learning and Development Advisor, BAE Systems, commented: "Our female employees expressed a desire to understand how to get ahead and a significant number of members of the women's network wanted to get involved in the programme. We want our business to be inclusive and a place that women want to work, whilst also making the most of our talent pool. This programme gives our female employees the tools they need to reach their full potential which will, in turn, have a direct impact on the success of our business."
The programme has lead to the development of a new EAL-approved qualification,
EAL Level 3 Award In Career Advancement and Progression (QCF). This qualification seeks to help individuals manage themselves and have a significant positive impact on their career development. It covers setting and managing career goals, communicating effectively to different audiences in a business context and the importance of developing and managing a positive personal reputation and image.
The programme and qualification aim to encourage women to develop in engineering and manufacturing careers where female numbers and applications are low.
Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive of Semta, said: "We work with a wide range of employers, of all sizes, in what have been traditionally male-dominated industries. We are therefore eager to develop the Career Investment and Progression Programme across the country for female employees. Through previous programmes, we have supported 880 female employees which is a really positive start. Creating female role models plays a vital part in encouraging other women to consider a career in the sectors we represent.
"We are thrilled to see that the programme has already delivered tangible business benefits for employees at BAE Systems. I hope this will encourage companies to identify and develop high potential female employees and boost women's skills sets to meet their business objectives."
Employers interested in finding out more about the Career Investment and Progression Programme should contact Semta Customer Services on 0845 643 9001, email customerservices@semta.org.uk or visit www.semta.org.uk .
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