Training scheme helps mothers to return to science

Citation

(2003), "Training scheme helps mothers to return to science", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 27 No. 2/3/4. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.2003.00327bab.009

Training scheme helps mothers to return to science

Training scheme helps mothers to return to science

A new training scheme aims to encourage British mothers to return to their scientific careers. Coventry University’will train and help women’with degrees in science, engineering and technology to re-enter their chosen field after leaving to have children.

Patricia Hewitt, trade and industry secretary, said: "Women have a vital role to play across the sciences in Britain and we need to reverse the trend of mothers not returning to jobs in their chosen academic field. With women making up almost half the workforce, professional equality is not only a worthy principle, but a matter of economic necessity."

It is estimated that around 50,000 female graduates in science, engineering and technology are not working at any one time. Of those who do return to work, only 8,000 get a job that makes use of their university education.

Mrs Hewitt also announced a new prize, intended to raise the profile of women studying science and technology. The £30,000 Rosalind Franklin award will be given for scientific innovation. The prize money should be used for activities such as setting up a women's mentoring scheme, writing a book to inspire women in science, engineering and technology, organizing a lecture tour wherewomen scientists promote themselves as role models, or writing articles raising the profile of women in science.