Our latest reports

We produce research and reports that highlight the experiences of women in engineering, inform our campaigns and help drive positive change for everyone.

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Driving change through evidence.

Our reports provide the evidence base for our campaigns and support organisations to build a more inclusive and equitable engineering sector. They offer valuable insights, including a literature review and high-level analysis of the data collected, serving as a foundation for further academic exploration

Green line drawing of a construction helmet and safety goggles on a black background.
Green line drawing of a construction helmet and safety goggles on a black background.
Outline of a woman, rising bar chart, and upward arrow, representing growth or success
Outline of a woman, rising bar chart, and upward arrow, representing growth or success

Established baseline of industry progress

Brought inclusive PPE into mainstream

Icon of a person under a magnifying glass for search or investigation.
Icon of a person under a magnifying glass for search or investigation.

Identified areas for further support

March 2026

Cover page of the WES Apprentice Snapshot 2026 report, featuring a smiling woman with short hair and hoop earrings, with a background of Hexagon patterns and a purple theme, supporting women in engineering.

WES Apprentice Report 2026

The Apprentice Report is a snapshot of what the current landscape and future of engineering talent looks like through the eyes of apprentices themselves. It’s a call to action for employers, educators, and policymakers to build systems worthy of the people who will shape our sector.

KEY FINDINGS

  • 87% of women apprentices feel supported in their role.

  • 74% are satisfied with their apprenticeship.

  • 66% feel optimistic about their future in engineering.

Read the full report

March 2025

Cover of a publication titled "Engineers: Their Lives and Work" by Sean McWhinnie and Jan Peters, with a dark purple background and abstract line design.

The Engineering Census

Supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Women’s Engineering Society commissioned a nationwide census in 2019 to better understand the experiences of women in engineering and establish a baseline for measuring future progress and support initiatives.

KEY FINDINGS

  • Women make up 16.5% of the engineering workforce.

  • 24% of women are considering leaving the profession.

  • Flexibility, culture and progression remain key challenges.

Read the full report
Read the full report

April 2024

Cover page of the WES 2024 PPE survey results report featuring the WES logo and a woman wearing safety equipment.

PPE Survey Results 2024

Since 2009, the Women’s Engineering Society has campaigned for inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), conducting research, engaging manufacturers and lobbying for change to address the impact of ill-fitting PPE on women in engineering and improve workplace safety and equality.

KEY FINDINGS

  • 62% of women have experienced PPE that does not fit properly.

  • Ill-fitting PPE affects comfort, safety and confidence.

  • Better design and inclusivity are urgently needed.

Read the full report