Inspiration for Calderdale's future female engineers
Scores of teenage girls from Calderdale have been learning how they can pursue a career in engineering and technology.
Calderdale College, in partnership with West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services, welcomed more than 60 Year 9 and 10 female pupils from local schools to its Engineering Centre campus in Brighouse.
The event aimed to inspire the next generation of female engineers by giving students the opportunity to meet women working in STEM careers and explore the college’s industry-standard facilities.
Students – including from Rastrick High School and Rishworth School, as well as Bradford Academy and Newsome Academy – were able to gain an insight into the wide range of career opportunities on offer within engineering and manufacturing.
They heard first-hand from industry professionals about their experiences of building successful careers in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
On the panel were Hannah Wright, founder of Cirkits; Amelia Knight, value stream quality engineer at Teconnex; Kristen Holley, consultant and trainer at the Clarity Framework; Annette Pygott, digital tutor at Calderdale College; Jen Harrison, UK sales manager at John Winter; and Aimee Dawson, event project executive at STEM Racing.
Claire Williams, head of employer engagement for apprenticeships at Calderdale College, said: “It is vital that colleges like ours encourage more young women to consider careers in engineering and manufacturing, particularly at a time when female representation in the sector is declining.
“At Calderdale College, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
"By showcasing the variety of exciting opportunities available, we hope to inspire the next generation of young women to break down barriers and pursue rewarding careers in STEM.”