Learning Centre – Learning about careers in engineering – young women from Plymouth schools and colleges visit Tamar Crossings for Women in STEM Day

14 year old Vee Simpson from Tor Bridge High is just one of the young women inspired to think about a career in engineering following the “Women in STEM” Day event held at the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre last week.

The “Engineering Her Future” event, hosted by Tamar Crossings, saw around 300 young women from Sir John Hunt, UTC Plymouth, Eggbuckland, All Saints, Tor Bridge, Discovery College and Marine Academy visit the Tamar Bridge to learn about careers in engineering from a range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) businesses, educational and training providers.

As well as Tamar Crossings, these included Volker-Stevin Ltd, AECOM, Cormac, Babcock International, the Institution of Civil Engineers, Focus Training, City College Plymouth and Cornwall College.

I’ve learnt a lot different things about engineering that I never knew before. I’m now thinking I want to do this as a job.

Vee Simpson from Tor Bridge High

This was a brilliant event and the students really enjoyed it. The guest speaker was very inspiring and showed our students that with the right attitude, hard work and focus they can be successful.

Eggbuckland School teacher Lynn Harris

Organised by the Bridging the Tamar Learning Centre in partnership with YMCA Plymouth, the event was organised as part of this year’s International Women in Engineering Day activities. Celebrated around the world on 23 June to honour women in the field of engineering, the Day focuses on raising the profile of women who are changing the field of engineering one degree at a time.

It was great to have the opportunity to host this year’s Women in STEM Day at Tamar Crossings. Having the responsibility for managing both the Tamar Bridge and the Torpoint Ferry, we particularly recognise the importance of encouraging more women to consider careers in STEM subjects.

As the comments from Vee show, many young people are not aware of the incredible range of jobs available in engineering and other STEM subjects. I am delighted that Vee is now thinking about a career in engineering and hope that the Day has encouraged other young women to follow her example

David List – Tamar Crossings General Manager

Trevor Barnes, from Focus Training, also welcomed the opportunity to talk to young people about careers in STEM subjects.

The event was excellent and it was great to see so many engaged young women learning more about pathways into engineering.

Trevor Barnes, from Focus Training

As well as talking with businesses, educational and training providers, the students also heard from guest speakers Sarah Jane McGlade from XEIAD, Samantha Jackman from Boost Inovations and Beverly Urbans from AECOM.

As a youth charity, YMCA Plymouth is proud to support young people with their choices in the ever changing landscape of careers. Giving good guidance is key to raising aspirations and inspiring our future workforce.

Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth