Halcrow, one of the country's leading civil engineering firms, has added its support to Interconnect, a new scheme launched today, 25th March, by the Scottish Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), based at Edinburgh Napier University. Interconnect, a unique initiative in the UK, aims to provide a support network for women in engineering and science subjects by linking students, universities and businesses.

Launched at Halcrow's Edinburgh offices, the idea is to give women studying engineering a glimpse at the career options open to them. Interconnect is also looking for ambassadors from leading businesses to work with the students as role models and encourage them into their chosen career. A website for Interconnect has been set up at www.interconnect.org.uk with information for employers and career advice for students, as well as information about local groups, including how to start one.

Jenny Tizard, manager of the Scottish Resource Centre for women in SET, said:
"Interconnect is all about linking skilled students in with business and their peers in an environment of mutual support. We are working with colleges and universities in Scotland to build this support network which will feature an advice network, social groups and company speakers/visits to boost confidence and ease the transition between study and employment.

"We see great potential for this service which will allow female students to really visualise a career path. Whilst the number of women registering for engineering and science courses has risen, just one in six undergraduates currently studying engineering and technology is a woman. Only 10% of new Chartered engineers are female."

Halcrow is a company apart in that respect where 25% of staff are women, many in senior roles, which is well above the industry average. Even then, the company would like to receive more applications from women and so are delighted to be involved with Interconnect.

Jamie Baxter, Regional Director for Halcrow based in Edinburgh, commented:
"We are proud to support this initiative which we feel is very worthwhile. Unfortunately there is still a view of engineering as being a trade for men and while it is true that the majority of people in the industry are male we need all kinds of people and skills to make an effective team.

"For me, Interconnect is about making sure that we are able to choose from the best pool of engineering talent Scotland has to offer and that can only be a good thing for the industry."

Allison Johnstone, Co-ordinator of Interconnect, comments:

"Interconnect is a really exciting network, and a first for Scotland. We will help qualified women and industry to provide students with opportunities to get a good start in their careers, as well as raising the profile of women studying and working in these fields."

Dr Sandra Cairncross, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Creative Industries, Edinburgh Napier University, comments:

"Interconnect is an exciting initiative. It provides an opportunity to build on the work we have been doing in our Faculty to encourage women and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the NUS."

Kainde Manji, NUS Scotland Women's Officer, comments:

"Occupational segregation of women is not just a problem in the workplace. Students in these subject areas are predominantly male, and those women who do study in these fields are still unlikely to follow this up with a related career. This project will provide the networks and support women students need make that progression into industry, and to stay there."

Mark Batho, Chief Executive, Scottish Funding Council, comments:

"This project goes further than getting women interested in science and studying it at university. It looks at how to support and inspire women scientists throughout their studies and give them the best possible chances to succeed - we're delighted to be funding this kind of innovation and I look forward to seeing the outcomes it has for science education in Scotland."