Manufacturing Magazine - October 2021 | Page 98

WAYGATE TECHNOLOGIES

many more women working in STEM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , Mathematics ) and joining graduate programmes , with a greater awareness of the existence of STEM roles now . " When I joined the Graduate Programme back then , I think I was the only girl on the team . Now when I look at graduate programmes there is usually a bit of a mix ."

" I also see the companies themselves having more programmes addressing diversity . When you try to do it ad hoc it ' s very difficult , but now I think there is far more awareness , and technology helps people come forward too . It ' s certainly much better than when I joined ."

It ' s important for the industry to be proactive in this area , she says , as it is good for business . " There is a lot of economic growth associated with balanced views " she says . " If you think about digital transformation for example , you ’ re thinking about multiple phases of changes - strategic , technical , commercial , business and cultural . When you bring so many things into play you want diverse views , you will have more balanced views of problems and their solutions . Therefore , there are higher chances of making the right decisions . I truly believe there is value in having a mix , and not just a gender mix but a diversity of viewpoints ”

" Promoting diverse talents in STEM also helps reduce the skill gap , because we don ' t have enough people in skilled jobs in STEM , and if you encourage more gender diversity , you reduce that gap ."

To do this , organisations need gender diverse role models to encourage people to apply . Raising awareness of STEM careers in school is also key . " Talking about engineering , technical and science careers in the early years is very important , because then you ' re planting a seed and they will make a very organic choice ."

ARUNGALAI ANBARASU CHIEF TECHNOLOGY & STRATEGY OFFICER , WAYGATE TECHNOLOGIES

98 October 2021