Liverpool school celebrates women in engineering
An academy in Garston, Liverpool, recently hosted a ‘Women in Engineering Day’ for its female students.
The Academy of St Nicholas, part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, wanted to inspire and encourage female pupils to consider a career in engineering.
Lisa Mansell, United Utilities chief engineer, attended the day.
She met students and shared insight into her career and described what a typical day looks like for her.
Lisa is responsible for finding new technologies to help solve issues like lowering carbon emissions and reducing the impact on the environment, and says she is passionate about inspiring the next generation of female engineers.
She said: “It’s so important to spread the word about the career opportunities available in engineering as women still only make up a small percentage of the workforce.
“Many girls at school still don’t even consider a career in engineering, or can’t see themselves working in it, and that’s such a pity as it offers fabulous opportunities to work on exciting projects that can really make a difference in society.”
Rebecca Shields also joined Lisa and talked about her role a senior process engineer.
Rebecca, who is from Liverpool, joined United Utilities as a graduate in 2016.
One student said: “I found the day to be really informative and Lisa and Rebecca talked to us in-depth about their jobs.
“It has definitely made me consider exploring what other careers are on offer in the engineering sector.”
Miss Katie Bell, head of design technology and engineering at The Academy of St Nicholas, said: “We are really passionate about getting the young girls and women of The Academy of St Nicholas into the world of engineering.
“It is a great industry to be involved in and there are lots of possibilities for apprenticeships and work experience.
She added: “As an academy, we will be doing further initiatives surrounding women in engineering in order to open up further opportunities for the young girls of our community.”