Commitment To Diversity Underpins Competitive Advantage

Gooch & Housego, the specialist manufacturer of photonic components & systems, is committed to diversity in its recruitment initiatives, which include working with universities on postgraduate placements, advising on doctoral programs and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers in schools. The Company recently published a paper, International Women in Engineering Day 2021: G&H Group Engineers Speak Out, which has focused particular attention on the contribution talented women make to the business.

More women are working in core STEM careers now than at any time in the past. Nonetheless, according to the Women’s Engineering Society, the overall retention rate of female science, engineering and technology (SET) graduates is far lower than that of males, 25% compared with 40%. The situation, which contributes to the relative lack of women in senior positions in SET professions, is described as “the leaky pipeline”.