Roundtable: Where are the women in the UK semiconductor sector? Pathways for careers in semiconductors

*PLEASE NOTE: This date for this session has been moved to November 26th

As the UK seeks to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor landscape, building a diverse and resilient workforce both a matter of equity – and of strategic imperative. Women remain significantly underrepresented in the UK semiconductor sector, especially in high-skilled, technical, and leadership roles, a gap that limits the innovation and resilience of the industry itself.

The data paints a clear picture: women make up just 18% of the technical semiconductor workforce, and representation in leadership remains low. Despite a slight rise in female STEM graduates (from 18% to 21% between 2019 and 2023), the pace of change is slow, and awareness of the breadth of careers in semiconductors, from design to manufacturing, and systems integration, remains limited. As the sector grows, demand for talent will only intensify, and building a more inclusive workforce is essential to meet demand.

This roundtable is a joint initiative from across the semiconductor sector, where several leaders have identified the need to address this difficult and long-standing challenge. The discussion will focus on how the UK can attract, support, and retain more women across the semiconductor talent pipeline, and how that can lift all boats across the wider tech sector.

Agenda