EDF Energy is continuing its drive to encourage more young women in Scotland to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) (
www.edfenergy.com).
Earlier this month, the company teamed up with the charitable organisation SmartSTEMs and two of Glasgow’s leading universities — Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Strathclyde — to offer more than 750 girls across the city the chance to learn about the benefits of STEM careers.
SmartSTEMs and EDF Energy have eight events planned for the year, and they hope that these will attract more than 2,500 girls. During each session, the girls (aged 10-14) will hear from women who work in STEM; they will then take part in a series of hands-on workshops.
This partnership is part of EDF Energy’s wider commitment to education, which includes the ‘Pretty Curious’ programme (this is designed to inspire more girls to consider science and technology careers).
As part of this programme, EDF Energy commissioned the ‘Jobs of the Future’ research report, which was undertaken by the Social Market Foundation. This shows that even though science and technology jobs will grow twice as fast as other occupations, the number of women working in core STEM industries in Scotland is only one in five.
Education in STEM subjects is regarded as vital to ensuring Scotland’s continuing success on the world stage.
The Scottish government is working with schools to develop methods to overcome gender stereotyping, such as the Improving Gender Balance project, supported by Education Scotland and funded by Skills Development Scotland.