The engineering and manufacturing sector continues to grow with increasing demand for skilled workers, yet research shows that the number of women in engineering and technology roles across the UK has fallen by 38,000.
Calderdale College is on a mission to boost female representation in STEM careers in West Yorkshire’s second largest sector by raising awareness of the range of opportunities available.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the College welcomed over 40 Year 9 and 10 female pupils to its bespoke Engineering Centre in Brighouse to meet inspiring women in the STEM field and explore the state-of-the-art facilities housed at the campus.
Pupils from Trinity Academy Grammar and Halifax Academy gained an insight into different careers within the engineering and manufacturing sector and heard first-hand from industry experts about their experiences working in a male dominated environment.
A student at Trinity Academy Grammar said: “The talks and workshops really changed my mind about my future career and has made me realise that I would like to explore roles within STEM. The talks were my favourite part of the event, as I was introduced to women with different specialisms and they showed me women can do anything!”
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 the engineering and manufacturing sector, especially at a time when female representation is declining.
“At Calderdale College, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and by showcasing the variety of opportunities available in the sector we hope to inspire the next generation to break down barriers and pursue rewarding careers in the STEM industry.”
Charlotte Ilkiw, Global Head of HR at Thomas Broadbent, attended the event as a panellist for the second year running. Charlotte said: “As a woman in STEM, it is vital to be a pioneer for young females and give them that reason to aspire to enter engineering roles.
“It is important to cheer on other talented and ambitious women wanting to make it in industry and support their career ambitions by highlighting the bespoke apprenticeship and hands-on T Level courses available at the Brighouse Engineering Centre.”
The College is committed to playing its part in developing the next generation of workers for key priority sectors in the region and closing the skills gaps in engineering and manufacturing through offering high-level courses and apprenticeships.
Launched in summer 2024, the College’s bespoke i4.0 Hub based at The Engineering Centre, gives its students the chance to develop the most up-to-date knowledge in cutting edge technologies that are being adopted in businesses as part of the fourth industrial revolution.
The specialist workshops include technologies such as robotics and automation, 3D scanning and printing, data generation, AI and augmented reality. The event gave the secondary school students the opportunity to try out equipment that may not otherwise be accessible to them.
Calderdale College offers a range of full-time and part-time courses and apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing, for more information please click here.
If you’re an employer and want to find out more about business solutions, skills support, company development and training and funding, contact employers@calderdale.ac.uk to see how Calderdale College can help your business.
