Engineering firm teams up with Derry school to encourage young woman to get involved

An engineering firm has teamed with a Derry school to encourage more young women to consider a career in the industry.

Hosted by St. Mary’s College as part of Engineering Week, the scheme saw a number of pupils take up a work placement at E&I Engineering, based in Burnfoot.

The students, Eirinn Baird and Shannon Knox, were given a glimpse into the industry by a former pupil of St Mary’s, Saoirse Nash.

Commenting, Eirinn said that she had gained valuable experience from the placement.

“I have now studied technology and design for six years, and through technology I have been awarded with a number of opportunities that have guided me when making decisions for my future,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shannon, who like Eirinn, is studying Technology and Design at A-Level, said that she felt ‘very passionate’ about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, particularly engineering.

Both students have also been offered a computer science placement with the University of Ulster.

Currently, only per cent of the engineering workforce is female and 64 per cent of engineering employers say a shortage of engineers is a threat to their business.

School Employer Connections, through their programmes, are now working closely with schools and employers to challenge this.

Commenting, Vivienne Kerr, Schools Employer Connections said: “Participation in Engineers Week not only benefits the community, it also yields benefits for the individual engineer, the organisation, and the profession as a whole.

“Engineers have a key role in society solving global problems in areas like water management, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, energy security and food supply.

“A career in engineering offers great diversity and I would like to congratulate all the students and organisations who got involved and attend events in their locality this week.”