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<p>Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to receive high-quality training
and begin or progress in a successful career in science, technology, engineering and
maths (STEM).</p><p>The department would like to see more females accessing traditionally
male-dominated fields and those offering higher wage returns. The proportion of females
starting apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing technologies has risen from
7.3% in the 2017/18 academic year to 9.5% in 2021/22.</p><p>The department is increasing
investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024/25 to support employers of all
sizes across England in offering more apprenticeships in all sectors, including STEM.
Employers in engineering and manufacturing can access apprenticeship funding to support
new starters and meet their skills needs. The department has no current plans to provide
separate funding for females undertaking manufacturing roles</p><p>Our Apprenticeships
Diversity Champions Network is championing gender representation amongst employers
in industries where improvement is needed, including in engineering and manufacturing.
The network published a report during National Apprenticeship Week 2022 sharing best
practice and hints and tips for employers to improve diversity in apprenticeships.
In addition, our Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge Programme is continuing to provide
free resources to promote STEM apprenticeships to females in schools.</p><p>The department
is also working with the Apprenticeships in Manufacturing group, which includes industry
partners such as Make UK and Enginuity, to grow the number of high-quality apprenticeships
in the manufacturing sector.</p>
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