Inspiring the next generation of engineers
Water engineering workshop helps students learn how to manage floods, control the power of waves and forecast weather and sea conditions as part of National Women in Engineering Day
As part of a series of events across the country to celebrate National Women in Engineering Day (23 June), 80 students at Skipton Girls High School spent the afternoon at a water engineering workshop organised by JBA Trust, JBA Consulting, the Environment Agency and Lancaster University.
Students at Skipton Girls High School ‘make it rain’ in the augmented reality sandbox to learn about topography and flood risk
The students were involved in a range of activities including the JBA Trust’s wave tank and hydraulic flume demonstrations, an augmented reality sandbox and JBA Consulting’s metocean forecasting models. These demonstrated how engineering solutions help reduce flood risk from rivers and the sea and the role of weather and sea conditions in operating offshore renewable energy. Students also had the opportunity to talk informally with female senior staff in JBA and the Environment Agency about working in the engineering sector and obtained advice on engineering careers.
Jenn Plews, the Head Teacher at Skipton Girls High School, said:
“Our overarching goal at SGHS is to prepare our young women with skills for life and experiences of real world learning – days like today are so important and we are grateful to the JBA Trust for providing such rich and fascinating learning opportunities and inspiring professional role models”.
Year 10 student, Poppy Johnston said:
“It inspired me to look in to engineering as a future career, as I didn’t realise how many jobs included aspects of engineering”.
With just 9% of UK engineers being female, National Women in Engineering Day is dedicated to raising the profile and celebrating the achievements of women in engineering and promoting the opportunities that the sector provides to young women. Female staff at JBA have been blogging about their experiences of working in engineering every day in June to promote the day.
Rachel Brisley, JBA’s Head of Climate Change said:
“It was inspiring to see such enthusiasm for engineering amongst the students and be able to share our own experience and enthusiasm with them. There are amazing opportunities available in the engineering industry and we hope our visit encouraged more students to seek out careers in engineering”.
Rachel Brisley talks about the opportunities available to women in the engineering industry
