WISE (Women in Science & Engineering) is a campaign group which has been working for 30 years to engage women and girls with STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Maths) subjects and careers.
Girls: When you consider your future training and career make sure you think about ALL the options that are available to you. Think about what you enjoy, are you creative, do you want to make people’s lives better, do you want to help save the environment? Go for something which really grabs you, holds your interest and plays to your strengths. Make sure that you enter an industry which is growing and that offers good job prospects and a great start to your working life.
Have you considered a career in STEM? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, and if these are subjects you enjoy then a job in engineering, manufacturing or the built environment could be perfect for you. There are a huge variety of different options including technical apprenticeships and on-the-job training with many major employers constantly looking for new recruits, and particularly looking for females to fill these roles. Jobs in the STEM sector typically pay higher rates than most careers and are second only to medicine. Find out about what is available to you and don’t let the boys get all the best jobs.
Hannah Stanbury, the winner of the WISE Apprentice Award 2013 is an apprentice weapons fitter at Gosport Defence Munitions in Portsmouth. She has achieved a star distinction level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and is now studying for the Higher National Certificate. Her lifelong passion for engineering is inspirational and her drive and determination to succeed in her chosen role is already leading to career success. Jo Carris, the winner of the WISE Excellence Award 2013 is committed to sustainability on the exciting major construction projects she has been involved with including London 2012, the Rio Olympics and the Brazilian World Cup. She is truly making a difference and has an exciting and rewarding career.
Job opportunities in the STEM environment are plentiful, career progression is good and salaries are highly competitive: what more could you want? Add in the chance to travel with global companies, gain tangible skills and really make a difference to the world and a career in STEM has a huge amount to offer.
Inspired to find out more? Visit the WISE website: www.wisecampaign.org.uk