More women are getting jobs in male-oriented sectors
As recently as the 1980s, and despite years of campaigning and equal rights legislation, many people still held stereotypical views about the roles most suitable for men and women.
A study conducted by Sky News showed that in 1984 almost half (42%) of people felt that men should be the “breadwinner”, with women being the “homemaker”. Clearly, diversity and equality were way down society’s agenda in the home and in the workplace.
However, attitudes have changed and 35 years later just 8% now take this view – and not just towards gender. Age, disability, race and religion are now considered irrelevant in pursuit of a career.
It is now commonplace for trade employers to show a much more positive approach towards ensuring equality and diversity in the workplace.
Young woman in charge of 25 quarries
Last year, the BBC reported the case of Emily Burridge’s successful career in the construction industry. She began as an apprentice, getting her foot in the door in a male-orientated industry – and her career has taken off.
At the age of just 22, Burridge became a technical production manager with responsibility for 25 quarries. Not only is she representing women in a male-dominated sector, she’s also championing the case for age equality and diversity.
Burridge replaced a man who was retiring. Even though her staff are mostly older men, she has had no problem integrating with, and leading, her staff.
Apprentice of the Year 2019
Todd Scanlon has Down’s Syndrome but this was no obstacle to him forging a career in scaffolding.
After talking to local company Coles Scaffolding he not only became a permanent worker on its team but was voted the “UK’s Best Apprentice”.
His boss pointed out that Scanlon is a valued member of the team — the customers love him, he is hard-working, enthusiastic and polite. Taking Scanlon on wasn’t any cause for concern for Coles Scaffolding, and the apprentice has more than proven his skill and willingness to learn over and over again. What more could an employer ask from his workers?
“I think it’s mainly because it is thought people with a disability shouldn’t be in our industry,” said Martyn Coles, commenting on Scanlon’s win. “He’s just shown that you can do it with the right guidance. He’s just a likeable guy.”
A change across sectors
2020 is surely going to be a year with more examples of diversity within trade roles. And this, says Richard Walker from waste removal experts Skip Hire, is exactly what these industries need.
“For too many years the industry has suffered with a negative perception and reputation creating a stigma that has acted as a barrier to entry to a more diverse talent pool of workers,” he said.
“As innovation and technology play their part in modernising ways of working in the sector, together with schemes such as apprenticeships, we’re not only seeing a more diverse workplace, but a more talented, skilled, and varied workforce.”
The above cases are just a small number of examples proving the importance of promoting equality and diversity in trade roles. No doubt we’ll see even more throughout 2020.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-47281926
https://news.sky.com/story/how-is-british-society-changing-and-what-does-this-mean-for-us-11760262
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