International Women in Engineering Day 2026
6.3 million people work in engineering and technology roles, accounting for around a fifth of the UK workforce. However, women make up just 17% of those in engineering and tech roles, compared to 56% in other roles. In this blog, on International Women in Engineering Day 2026, we explore how DriveWorks supports and promotes the next generation of engineers.
What is engineering intelligence?
The theme for this year’s International Women in Engineering Day is “Engineering Intelligence“.
Engineering intelligence is what keeps our world moving. It’s the expertise, creativity, and judgement behind the systems, structures, and solutions we depend on every day. It’s human skill, technical understanding, cultural leadership, and the talent pipeline that will carry us into the future.
Supporting a talent pipeline
How DriveWorks supports future engineers
DriveWorks has a long history of supporting STEM careers and is part of several local initiatives designed to support young people and local schools and colleges with STEM initiatives.
The Cheshire & Warrington Pledge
As part of the Cheshire & Warrington Pledge Partnership, we work alongside other local employers and educators to ensure young people are equipped for the modern workplace.
By connecting businesses with students, we help demonstrate how engineering is evolving through automation, digital transformation, and intelligent systems.
Cornerstone Employers Group
DriveWorks is part of the Cheshire & Warrington Cornerstone Employers Group.
We work together with other local businesses to ensure all young people in our area have the opportunities they need to be prepared and inspired for the world of work. For DriveWorks, that means sharing some of the exciting opportunities in engineering.
Enterprise Adviser support
In her role as an Enterprise Adviser, DriveWorks Community & Learning Engagement Manager, Bridie Mills works with local schools and colleges to improve careers education and prepare young people for the world of work.
She shares real-world engineering insights and advises on some less traditional engineering skills, such as software development and data intelligence.
Engineering intelligence in action
DriveWorks certifications
As part of our commitment to engineering intelligence, we are proud to support education all over the world with our free DriveWorks training and certification programs for anyone with access to SOLIDWORKS®.
DriveWorksXpress is taught in schools and universities around the world, enabling students to learn additional skills and knowledge. Additionally, members of the DriveWorks team take part in an outreach program to provide on-site training for university students taking DriveWorks certifications.
Digital Futures Showcase
Earlier this year, we hosted a Digital Futures Showcase event for local STEM students from Priestley College. The agenda included presentations and breakout sessions on 3D printing, our interactive demo booth, and an employability workshop. DriveWorks team members shared their different career journeys, with two of our current degree apprentices hosting a Q&A.
Inspiring engineering intelligence
The importance of female role models
DriveWorks Co-Founder, Maria Sarkar MBE, is an inspiring female role model and a keen advocate for promoting careers in STEM. In 2024, Maria was awarded an MBE for her services to manufacturing. She actively promotes technology as a great career path for young people. She initiated the DriveWorks intern and graduate training programs and inspires other women to look at engineering and the manufacturing sector as a positive career choice. Maria also regularly speaks at industry events and shares her export insight in her role as Export Champion.
I’m proud to be a female co-founder of an award-winning tech business. Our business thrives on having a unique blend of people, personalities, and talents. We believe there should be no barriers to achievement, and the more we can all raise awareness of opportunities and equality, the better.
Maria Sarkar, MBE
Additional resources
Find out more about engineering
If you’d like to find out more about engineering, we recommend the following resources:
Women’s Engineering Society: A UK-based charity and professional network that supports women in engineering and technology to reach their potential.
This is engineering: An initiative by the Royal Academy of Engineering providing inspiring real-life stories and showcasing how diverse engineering careers are.
EUK Education: Discover inspiring engineering and technology careers, industry insights, and more.
Institution of Engineering Designers: General information about careers in engineering.
TeenTech: TeenTech helps young people understand the opportunities in science, technology, creative and digital media, and engineering, no matter what their gender or social background.