International Women in Engineering Day 2026: UCB champions inclusion and skills innovation | News

July 2026

International Women in Engineering Day 2026: amplifying a national call for inclusion, belonging and skills innovation

By Claire Huggins

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University College Birmingham contributes to the national conversation on women in STEM and engineering careers.

University College Birmingham (UCB) joined leaders across the sector in marking International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026 (23 June), shining a spotlight on the vital role women play in shaping the future of STEM, technical education and the UK engineering workforce.

Hosted in McIntyre House and in partnership with the Association of Colleges, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technical and Vocational Education) and Chair of the National Network of Institutes of Technology, Professor Rosa Wells, opened the national INWED event.

Across a varied programme of workshops, keynote addresses and panel discussions, the event brought together educators, employers and engineers to explore how the sector can widen participation, remove barriers and build cultures where women can thrive.

Although UCB is not currently an AoC member, the University welcomed another opportunity to strengthen its ongoing engagement with national partners and contribution to sector-wide conversations on skills, inclusion, and employer collaboration.

Championing inclusion and belonging in engineering

AoC Chief Executive Officer, David Hughes, used his keynote address to call for a fundamental shift in how employers and educators support women entering engineering:

“I have been speaking for many years about the need to move beyond always expecting women to adapt to industries that were never designed with them in mind,” said David.

“I want to see employers creating inclusive places where women can truly belong - respected for who they are, what they can do, and how they choose to live. Where women can thrive, progress and lead.

“As skills shortages grow, employers must rethink who they recruit and where they recruit from, remove barriers to participation, and build cultures where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are embedded.

“By unlocking opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups, we can strengthen both individual potential and the workforce of the future.”

Emphasising the responsibility of Institutes of Technology and technical education providers to design environments where women can succeed, Professor Wells echoed David’s message:

“From my own experience and now in my role as Chair of the National Network of Institutes of Technology, I understand how transformative inclusive engineering education can be,” Rosa explained.

“When women feel they belong, they lead, innovate and reshape industries. Our role is to ensure those pathways are visible, accessible and supported.”

"When women feel they belong, they lead, innovate and reshape industries. Our role is to ensure those pathways are visible, accessible and supported."

Professor Rosa Wells Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technical and Vocational Education)

Keynote voices: women engineers shaping the future of STEM

A highlight of the day welcomed three role models, currently trailblazing pathways for women in engineering; Santina Ajdari Bunting, Puja Hazlehurst and Lucy Yelland shared their lived experiences in the ‘journeys, barriers and breakthroughs’ spotlight event.

“Championing more women into engineering is something I’m passionate about,” said Santina Ajdari Bunting, civil engineering degree apprentice and communication coordinator at Arup.

“From starting the sector through an apprenticeship after GCSEs, age 16, to now doing a degree apprenticeship, I was excited to share my untraditional journey into the industry.

“The event was important as it explored how further education, higher education and industry can work together to create clearer pathways and inclusive cultures for women leaders in engineering, and develop the skilled workforce needed for the future.”

Lucy Yelland, Hardware Engineer at Siemens and a WorldSkills UK, Skills Champion added:

“It was a privilege to share my own journey and to speak about the importance of building confidence, embracing opportunities, and finding your own pathway into the industry.”

“It was also inspiring to hear from others who are passionate about creating a more inclusive future for STEM. Relatable role models help build confidence and ensure girls see engineering as a space where they belong, I’m delighted to have played a small part in that important goal.”

Building pathways for women in engineering and STEM

UCB continues to expand its technical and vocational offer, working with regional employers and national partners to ensure students gain the skills, confidence and industry experience needed to succeed in engineering, digital technologies, and STEM careers.

The University’s collaborations with AoC-led initiatives and partners like the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) reflect its ambition to contribute to and learn from, national networks focused on widening participation, addressing skills shortages, and supporting women in technical education.

Strengthening the future engineering workforce

As the sector works collectively to build a more inclusive future for engineering, UCB is proud to champion the voices of women who are already leading the way, and to play an active role in shaping the next generation of engineers.

Explore our engineering courses.

In pictures

David Hughes, AoC Chief Executive Officer

Puja Hazlehurst

Santina Ajdari Bunting

Rosa Wells presents during the event

Lucy Yelland

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