CFE event makes the point engineering not just for boys
OLD-FASHIONED views about ‘boys’ jobs and girls’ jobs’ are starting to change, but those involved with a local event promoting women in engineering have said more needs to be done to modernise people’s perceptions.
To mark International Women in Engineering Day, the College of Further Education hosted a day of expert speakers and activities aimed at secondary age female students.
Around 240 pupils took part in activities ranging from solar-powered car racing to robotic arms, a ping pong missile launcher and a wind turbine and studying earthquakes.
That was the favourite activity for Grammar School Year 10 pupil Zoe Sneddon, 15, who said the event was a good way to attract young women into the profession.
‘At the moment it is just an interest for me, but I am pleased that opportunities like this are available.’
Senior civil engineer Jenny Giles, from Geomarine, the Channel Islands Group of Professional Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers, was one of the speakers from the local industry.
‘I think there is equality of access as far as everyone can do it, but there are still old-fashioned views from 100 years ago about what are boys’ jobs and what are girls’ jobs and changing that is the point of events like this,’ she said.
‘I am looking forward to the day where we don’t need to have a women in engineering day, we can just have an engineering day. The point of my talk was that you don’t have to look, or act, or dress like a boy – you can have blue nails, you can like Disney and still be an engineer.’
The College of FE’s engineering programme leader and main organiser, John Semenowicz, said the Guernsey Electricity-sponsored all-day event had grown beyond all expectations, from a turnout of around 50 pupils two years ago to five times that number this year.
‘It is all about changing perceptions of girls in engineering, although there is only so much you can do at post-16 – the damage is already done as far as trying to attract girls to engineering.
‘They need to be turned around at an early age – it can come down to what kind of toys you are bought as a child. Things like that can influence choices in life.
‘We are the catalyst, we are trying to bring together the schools and we are happy to put on this event. To change perceptions is a big ask, so we want to engage with employers and with all educational establishments at all levels,’ he said.
Fewer than 10% of his engineering students are female, he added.
n Anyone interested in supporting or being involved with the event can contact the College of FE’s Les Ozouets site for further information.
