Global engineering technologies company Renishaw recently ran two workshops at a Girls into Technology event held at SGS Berkeley Green UTC — a university technical college in Gloucestershire.

Hosted collaboratively by several employer partners (including Atkins, Airbus and GE Aviation), this event was designed to show the girls — aged 12 to 14 — the large variety of careers available in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Renishaw’s workshops began with a presentation that introduced the company and included a video where some of its female employees spoke about their career experiences.

Some of the company’s STEM ambassadors ran a mini science show, with several exhibits involving magnetics, and the workshops finished with a hands-on engineering activity.

Rosie Broxton, one of Renishaw’s female engineers, said: “During my talk, I shared my engineering journey with the girls, because it is reassuring for them to hear from someone they can relate to.

"It is important that young people have role models when choosing a career. I was lucky to have had encouragement from STEM teachers and contact with employers, as part of the Engineering Education Scheme.”

Rebecca Bound, Renishaw’s education out-reach officer, said: “Renishaw supports events like this to help to increase the number of young people — particularly girls ― choosing STEM careers.

“Practical workshops are a great way for participants to find out that engineering is fun.”

Further details of Renishaw’s involvement with local schools can be found at the Web site (www.renishaw.com/educationoutreach).