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Preston's College Calls For Push to Get More Girls into Science

To mark British Science Week (13 - 22 March) Preston’s College is urging government ministers and local authorities to do more to encourage females into science, technology, maths and engineering.

With males outnumbering females by four to one in science-based subjects, this is an issue that Preston’s College is keen to tackle.

The education and skills provider is currently seeking applicants for its 2015 / 16 courses and hopes to attract more female learners into traditionally male-dominated roles.

One of the college’s budding female engineering apprentices is championing this vision. Having originally studied A Levels, 19-year-old Salima Bana from Preston, knew this route wasn’t right for her and instead wanted a more practical hands on approach.

With the help of Preston’s College, Salima secured a three-year Engineering Apprenticeship with BAE Systems and wants more females to follow in her footsteps.

Salima comments: “I wanted to do something out of the norm and a little different. I’d always been interested in aerospace and planes so BAE was an easy choice.

“Out of around 45 learners, there’s only one other girl in my group. I think many believe that engineering involves getting your hands dirty, but it can be anything from designing planes behind a desk to building the end product in the workshop.

“I love my job because of the challenges and variety, and I get great satisfaction from working with other engineers to find solutions and new ways of thinking. I don’t understand why girls wouldn’t want to do it and I hope more will sign up and show the boys that we’re just as good as they are, if not better!”

The 2015 / 16 start of term coincides with the opening of the new £13m iSTEM centre at Preston’s College in September 2015.

Rebecca Kay, science assessor at Preston’s College, added: “We’re committed to changing the way people think about STEM subjects and have set out to dispel any culture that presumes there is a set career path for females.

“There are so many exciting opportunities for women in STEM industries and it’s all about giving them the choice and the chance to make changes that could impact their future.

“Young people are influenced by their friends, teachers and parents so we need to educate these groups and make them aware of the breadth of opportunities available, whilst also showing them how STEM choices can provide very fulfilling and interesting careers.

“With British Science Week well underway we hope ministers, local authorities, businesses, parents and other education providers align with our vision and help to get more women into STEM.”

For more information and to apply for the 2015 / 16 term, please visit http://www.preston.ac.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Preston's College .