Teenage girls want to “break the glass ceiling”, with 37% wanting a career in a traditionally male-dominated field.

A survey of 2,000 young women between the ages of 13 and 19 found that a third (33%) of those choosing a traditionally male career path would be interested in pursuing a scientific career, while 31% are ready to explore a career in science. scientific career I work in engineering. .

More than eight in ten believe they are as capable as their male counterparts in certain roles, and 28% of those who feel this way believe they are, in fact, more capable.

And more than eight in ten (81%) say it is important that their careers make a “positive contribution” to society.

The research was commissioned by energy and home services provider British Gas, which has pledged to create 3,500 apprenticeships over the next decade, with the ambition that half of all new recruits are women.



Jessica Rawstron is

Jessica Rawstron, British Gas Smart Power Engineer, said: “My inspiration first came from my father, who specializes in gas for many years.

“And with the support of my family, friends and colleagues, my confidence has grown since the day I started as an intern.

“There are no stereotypes to conform to and we value diversity in our team.”

It was found that more than a third (36%) of girls, who want to pursue a career in a traditionally male field, were positively influenced by their teachers, while 44% were inspired by their family to do so. .

This is despite the fact that more than half (56%) say that none of their family families work in any of these sectors.

However, an encouraging 64% think it is easier for women today to find work in an industry such as energy, construction or engineering than when their mother was their age.



Three out of ten women would like to become engineers

But 62% believe their gender will always impact their future job prospects, and seven out of ten say there are still barriers preventing women from getting a certain job.

Greater gender equality in the workplace is the main improvement respondents would like to see for working women in the future (43%).

And having the same job opportunities as men (42%), better help with childcare (39%), and better pay (38%) top the list.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of girls believe we will see more women in traditionally male-dominated roles in the near future.

And while the average teenager thinks it will take 15 years before there is full gender equality in the workplace, 72% agree that it will be their generation that will make the change happen.

Jessica Rawstron added: “Young women have more opportunities than ever, both in terms of the roles available to us and the impact we can have on the world around us.

“The need to reduce emissions and achieve Net Zero is paramount and the skills we learn as smart energy engineers can make a real difference. I am proud to do my part in the fight against climate change.