Engineering and manufacturing are industries built on innovation, but when it comes to gender diversity, there is still work to be done to create a more representative workforce that reflects the diversity of society and unlocks the full potential of talent across all genders. Women remain underrepresented in engineering globally, making up less than 30% of the STEM workforce. In advanced manufacturing fields such as additive manufacturing and materials science, that percentage is even lower.
At Atomik AM, we believe it is not enough to simply recognise these facts. We see it as our responsibility to actively promote the diversification of the engineering industry. Encouraging more women into engineering is not just about fairness; it is about unlocking new perspectives, driving better problem-solving, and building a stronger, more inclusive industry.
Why Early Exposure Matters
The gender gap in engineering begins long before people enter the workforce. Studies show that early exposure to STEM subjects can have a significant impact on the career paths young people choose. When young girls have positive experiences with science, technology, engineering and maths, they are far more likely to pursue those subjects later in education and into their careers.
This highlights the importance of opportunities such as school outreach, STEM workshops, and internships. These programmes allow young women to explore the practical and exciting side of engineering, opening up a world of possibilities far beyond what is covered in textbooks.
At Atomik AM, we also actively support initiatives that introduce young people to STEM from an early age. Our CEO Kate was recently involved in the Primary Engineer Leaders Award, a programme that encourages school children to identify engineering challenges and design solutions. By helping to judge entries and engage with young innovators, Kate played a part in inspiring the next generation and showing young girls that engineering is a space where their ideas and creativity are welcomed.
The Role of Hands-On Experience
Internships are one of the most effective ways to break down barriers and provide young people with real-world insight into engineering careers. They allow students to gain valuable experience, build confidence, and see what it is like to work in technical environments.
At Atomik AM, we are proud to support internships as part of our commitment to growing the next generation of engineers. This summer, we have welcomed Jessica through our internship programme. With aspirations of becoming an engineer one day, Jessica is joining us to explore what a career in advanced manufacturing could look like. Her internship is designed to nurture that curiosity by offering her hands-on experience through exposure to our different projects and the chance to learn directly from our team of engineers and materials specialists.
We believe that experiences like this are essential, not only for skills development but also for showing women that they absolutely have a place in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Building Inclusive Environments
Internships are an important starting point for sparking curiosity in engineering, but they are only one part of the process. For lasting change, companies need to create workplaces where everyone feels supported and empowered to succeed.
This begins with inclusive hiring practices but goes much further. Mentorship programmes, visible role models, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diverse perspectives all play an important role. Companies that actively foster inclusion often see stronger collaboration, better decision-making, and higher levels of innovation.
At Atomik AM, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone on our team. We focus on promoting diversity not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us better at what we do.
Why It Matters to Us
Bringing more women into engineering is not a side initiative. It is fundamental to the future of the industry.
Internships, team involvement, and STEM advocacy all help to remove the barriers that still exist. We are committed to continuing to offer opportunities where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are shared, and people can explore where a career in engineering might take them.
Small steps, such as offering a placement or mentoring someone at the start of their journey, can make a real difference. The more we do collectively, the stronger the future of manufacturing will be.
If you are passionate about building a more inclusive future for engineering and manufacturing, we encourage you to take action. Whether by mentoring, offering work experience, or simply sharing this blog to spark a conversation, every step helps. Together, we can help open doors for the next generation of engineers.
