Students from Little Heath School in Tilehurst have triumphed in AWE’s 2017 Girls in Engineering challenge. Organised by AWE apprentices, the annual event involves teams of female students from local schools tackling exciting engineering challenges. It is part of AWE’s wide-ranging programme of events and activities to inspire school students and encourage them to consider a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas.
Philippa Kent, who leads the community and schools programme at AWE, said: “Congratulations to all of the teams who took part and to the winning team from Little Heath. This is always a really enjoyable event and we are always impressed by the energy and resourcefulness of the engineering solutions! This year’s event took place during National Apprenticeship Week, alongside International Women’s Day, although we work all year round to inspire, inform and support young women who want to know more about STEM career opportunities.
“We do a great deal of outreach with boys and girls but there is a real shortage of young women studying and working in STEM and it is crucial that we recruit the best and brightest – they are the future of science and technology.”
Kerry Barker, Head of Engineering at AWE, started her career as an AWE apprentice. She said: “We want the girls to realise that engineering is a real option for them as they start to select their GCSE options. The challenge is great fun but also raises awareness about the serious engineering skills shortage we have in the UK. I would like to congratulate all the participants and thank all the apprentices who made today possible. They are a real credit to the AWE Skills Academy.”
Top Team! Little Heath’s team with AWE apprentices Alex Dymond (left) and Dani Smithers (right) and Physics teacher David Boddaert (centre).