The numbers don’t add up.

Despite the recent focus on encouraging second level female pupils to consider science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) as a career choice, there are still fewer women in STEM leadership roles.

Studies show that women are more likely than men to drop out of STEM careers (73 percent vs. 48 percent).

While 20 percent of engineering students in Ireland are female, only 11 percent of Engineers Ireland membership is female. Male engineers are almost twice as likely to work in senior management and female membership of Engineers Ireland has hovered at 10 percent since 2013.

Meanwhile, the Irish engineering sector is experiencing a skills shortage so the retention of early to mid-career engineering professionals is crucial.

In an effort to find some answers, Engineers Ireland Cork and Cork City Council are organising a lunchtime panel discussion on Wednesday to discuss ‘Engineers skill shortage: solutions and actions’.

Panelists will include Professor Mary Horgan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Donal Sullivan VP and General Manager Johnson Controls, and Sinead O’Donnell Technical Services Manager ESB.

Engineers Ireland Cork committee member and Cork City Council Executive Engineer, Valerie Fenton has organised the lunchtime discussion to look at the issues facing young professionals and how they can be supported support to stay in the sector and advance their careers.

The discussion and Q&A takes place on Wednesday, February 28th, 1pm-2pm, beginning with tea and coffee at 12:30pm at Millennium Hall, City Hall Cork.

Admission is free and all are welcome but places are limited so pre-booking is available here.