OFCOM Office of Communications : supports drive to increase numbers of women in STEM roles

04 January 2018

Ofcom recently supported the Institution of Engineering and Technology's (IET) Young Women Engineer of the Year awards, as part of our commitment to help increase the numbers of women in working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The awards celebrated their 40 year in 2017 and are one of the IET's flagship awards. Ofcom supported the awards as headline sponsor, alongside organisations including Boeing, Balfour Beatty and Thales. Ofcom colleagues also participated in the selection panel for this year's finalists.

The awards ceremony was held at IET London's Savoy Place headquarters, and was compered by Carol Vorderman. A packed auditorium heard her reminisce about her own engineering studies in Cambridge, where she was one of the very few women students.

Speakers also included Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of Stemettes, a social enterprise that encourages girls and young women to explore STEM careers.

At the event Ofcom hosted a stand where attendees could learn more about the engineering work we carry out. Colleagues demonstrated equipment including a portable spectrum analyser used to monitor wifi bands, and 'freerider backpacks' that are used to help measure quality of mobile experience.

The six finalists for this year's award represented a variety of roles and reflected the increasing representation of women in engineering roles in the UK. This year's winner was Ozak Esu, an electrical engineer working at consultancy Cundall on building services.

Philip Marnick, Group Director, Spectrum Group at Ofcom, said: 'Events like this not only highlight the skills and enthusiasm of the young women who participate in the award, it gives us an opportunity to show what we in Ofcom do in engineering and really shows that engineering is a great career opportunity open to all.'

Interested in an engineering role at Ofcom? We have a range of graduate, apprentice and intern roles available - see our careers pages for more details.