Photonics, the science and technology of light, and its applications sit at the heart of a range of innovations across sectors such as communications, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy. As the need for this technology increases, so does the demand for skilled workers, something which can be challenging at times for the photonics sector in Scotland. However, by looking at this challenge through an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) lens, we can see that there are many ways that we can help to attract, engage and retain a powerful and diverse workforce to bolster the future of Scotland’s photonics sector.
In this blog, we hear from Ben Hanley, Director of Enigma People Solutions, who works with clients at the forefront of the photonics industry in Scotland, across the UK and globally. As a recruitment partner, he sees first-hand the difficulties companies face in attracting the next generation of skilled professionals.
Through his role as Chair of the Advisory Board of Opening up Photonics, an initiative focused on building a more diverse and inclusive workforce within Scotland’s photonics sector, Ben regularly interviews professionals in photonics to understand their experiences and perspectives, particularly around the challenge of making the sector more engaging and inclusive for future employees.
Here are some of the key themes emerging from these conversations, and what the photonics industry can do to better engage and inspire future talent:
- Make Photonics Visible and Relatable
A consistent theme raised is how little the public, and especially students, know about photonics.
As Emma explained:
“There are capable women coming out of secondary school and university every day, and the reason they aren’t thinking about research or photonics is because they don’t know what it is.”
This lack of awareness is a significant barrier. Emma calls for a more visible presence of the photonics sector within local communities, not just through career fairs and education programmes, but through genuine engagement:
“There needs to be effort from the photonics industry to engage with communities, show how they are contributing to society, and push back against rising anti-intellectualism by being open and transparent.”
From fibre optic internet and lasers in medical technology, to smartphone screens and camera sensors, photonics is all around us. There is significant benefit in a higher level of industry engagement to highlight these tangible applications to young people who may never have heard of the field.
- Engage Students Early and Often
Many of those interviewed stressed that engagement must start at school age, before students choose their subjects.
Michelle emphasised the importance of outreach in early secondary school:
“You get kids who have the natural aptitude, but also those who don’t yet know where they fit. We need to help them see their options.”
Inspiring even one student can make a difference:
“If the presentation sticks with that one kid who thinks, ‘She worked on lasers so maybe I could do that,’ then it’s worth it.”
Eleni echoed this, stressing the power of open days and direct exposure to the field:
“Visiting companies during my undergraduate degree was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay in physics. Seeing the labs, the offices, the work. It gave me a much better understanding of what my future could look like.”
Whether it’s school visits, site tours, or hands-on demonstrations, giving students access to real-world workplaces helps them visualise themselves in STEM careers.
- Make It Fun, Memorable, and Hands-On
Beyond formal engagement, small, memorable experiences can make a big impression. One suggestion from our interviewees was to invite children into companies for “STEM Experience Days”:
- Let them wear cleanroom suits and goggles
- Let them take photos for their school social media
- Let them try basic demonstrations of how lasers, sensors, or fibre optics work
Even if they don’t choose photonics in the end, they may choose a STEM subject, and if it encourages more young women or underrepresented groups to do so, even better.
- Create Safe Spaces and Mentorship Channels
Once in the industry, all people need to feel supported with opportunities and room to develop professionally and personally, especially in the early years of their career.
Sophia highlighted the importance of safe spaces and access to mentorship, especially for women navigating male-dominated environments:
“If you’re in a minority, you benefit from having a safe channel, someone to vent frustrations to without feeling like you’re just ‘complaining because you’re a woman’.”
She believes mentoring is one of the most powerful tools to retain and support women in photonics.
Companies would benefit from providing structured mentorship programmes to their employees, one-on-one support, and access to HR or diversity advocates to make sure that no employee feels isolated.
- Build on Inclusive and Informal Networks
While technical understanding is key, so is community and for many underrepresented groups in STEM, feeling welcome matters as much as being capable.
One interviewee reflected on the power of informal gatherings to foster connection:
“…what we could have more of is something casual, like coffee mornings or informal networking spaces. These should be open not just to women, but also to ethnic minorities, people with disabilities. Any group that might feel isolated in a technical environment.”
Providing regular, informal spaces for connection can help individuals build professional relationships, find mentors, and feel supported.
In Summary: What the Industry Can Do
To attract future employees and retain them, the photonics industry should continue to take proactive, inclusive, and creative action. Based on these interviews the industry might benefit from the following:
- Continue to raise public awareness of what photonics is and why it matters
- Continue to engage school pupils, especially before subject choices are made
- Make it fun—create memories that inspire kids to imagine themselves in STEM
- Host more open days and provide tangible experiences of the workplace
- Create informal networks for women and minority professionals
- Deliver mentorship and safe channels for support
If even one student, one woman, or one underrepresented young person sees a place for themselves in photonics as a result of these efforts, that’s a meaningful step toward a more diverse, innovative future for the industry.
Interested in learning more about how your company can attract the next generation of talent in photonics? Become a supporting member of Opening up Photonics today.
