Ahead of National Women in Engineering Day (23 June 2019), Turnbull High School in Bishopbriggs, hosted an event to encourage more girls to consider a career in this field.
This is the fourth year the inspirational event has been held for girls from local high schools and once again there were guest speakers and workshops led by industry experts (Tony Gee, Strathclyde University, Devro, Caley Water, Farrans, Network Rail, ICE, Fairhurst, Atkins and Education Scotland).
Also on offer was a careers carousel featuring 16 information stalls which gave the pupils from four schools (Bishopbriggs Academy, Boclair Academy, St. Ninian’s High School and Turnbull High School) an insight into engineering study and job options.
Convener of Education, Councillor Jim Goodall, said, "This is a hugely important event, aimed at girls who have just completed S1 in the hope that it sparks an interest in engineering before they make subject choices so that careers in science, engineering and technology are still open to them.”
Kirsty Jamieson, Associate Director, Tony Gee has been integral to the organisation of these events said, "Unfortunately the statistics in relation to the skills shortage in engineering have not improved significantly in the past ten years. With the huge uptake of apprenticeships in the industry as well as the push for better diversity and inclusion, not to mention the recent reports of increasing salaries for engineering professionals, there has never been a better time to encourage girls to think about a career in engineering."
The theme for this year's National Women in Engineering Day is #transformthefuture and that is the message that Turnbull High gave to the girls who attended.
Jacqueline O'Kane, Principal Teacher of STEM and Wider Achievement said, "There are exciting opportunities out there and we want girls to know that they are there for the taking.
"We are very grateful to the many engineers who supported our event and shared their knowledge and experience with pupils, inspiring them to follow in their footsteps. Taking part in the hands-on activities they had organised was invaluable and a great way for the girls to learn more about the many applications of engineering in everyday life. I hope for some of them, it was the start of something really positive in their lives."
Councillor Goodall congratulated the school on the success of its event, "It took a lot of hard work and planning to bring this event together and I am certain that it was useful to the pupils who attended. I was pleased so many external organisations and businesses took part and believe this type of partnership working with schools gives our young people an excellent insight into the world of work."
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