The enrollment of women in engineering technologies at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

This qualitative, action research study examines the reasons why women in the School of Electrical and Electronics Technology (SEET) enrol in engineering technology programs at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Understanding the reasons for enrollment will assist SEET to identify the specific factors that motivate women to enter engineering technology programs. SEET can use this information to inform program development. The participants in this study are current students enrolled in SEET engineering technology programs and female staff who are instructors and administrators in SEET departments. The students are engaged in this study through a focus group. The staff members are engaged through an email interview. The findings of this study indicate that an emphasis needs to be put on improving how women are perceived by society as a whole and how NAIT staff and students communicate the need for change regarding women in engineering technologies.