Halcrow, one of the country's leading civil engineering firms, has added its support to Interconnect, a new scheme launched on 25th March, by the Scottish Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), based at Edinburgh Napier University.

Interconnect, a unique initiative in the UK, aims to provide a support network for women in engineering and science subjects by linking students, universities and businesses.

Launched at Halcrow's Edinburgh offices, the idea is to give women studying engineering a glimpse at the career options open to them. Interconnect is also looking for ambassadors from leading businesses to work with the students as role models and encourage them into their chosen career.

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A website for Interconnect has been set up at www.interconnect.org.uk with information for employers and career advice for students, as well as information about local groups, including how to start one.

Jenny Tizard, manager of the Scottish Resource Centre for women in SET, said: "We see great potential for this service which will allow female students to really visualise a career path. Whilst the number of women registering for engineering and science courses has risen, just one in six undergraduates currently studying engineering and technology is a woman. Only 10% of new Chartered engineers are female."

Halcrow is a company apart in that respect where 25% of staff are women, many in senior roles, which is well above the industry average. Even then, the company would like to receive more applications from women and so are delighted to be involved with Interconnect.

Jamie Baxter, Regional Director for Halcrow based in Edinburgh, commented: "We are proud to support this initiative which we feel is very worthwhile. Unfortunately there is still a view of engineering as being a trade for men and while it is true that the majority of people in the industry are male we need all kinds of people and skills to make an effective team.”

(GK/JM)