THE Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has named senior hardware engineer Naomi Mitchison from Edinburgh as its Young Woman Engineer of the Year, with the organisation saying the award is a step towards creating more much-needed female role models in the industry.
The 28-year-old, an employee of defence firm Selex-ES, secured the award for her work with laser warning systems for military aircraft.
She described it as "a real honour" and added: "I'm really looking forward to taking an ambassadorial role for the industry and to do what I can to encourage more women into engineering."
The IET cited recent statistics showing that women make up only 6 per cent of the engineering workforce, and that while 11 per cent of parents were likely to encourage their sons to choose the profession, the figure was only 1 per cent for those with daughters.
The organisation also said women currently represent only six per cent of the UK's engineers, the lowest percentage in Europe.
Its director of membership Michelle Richmond said: "The lack of women in engineering is a very significant problem, contributing to skills shortages, which damage the economy.
"The shocking reality is that the UK is missing out on half of its potential engineering and technology workforce by failing to attract women into the industry. It also means that women are losing out on interesting and rewarding career opportunities."
She also said it is vital to demonstrate that engineering is a "dynamic, diverse, interesting and challenging" career choice, with various factors contributing to the lack of women entering the profession.
"Naomi will be a fantastic role model to all young people thinking of a career in engineering and technology," she added, also stating that Young Woman Engineer of the Year winners can play a "vital" part.
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