Women in Engineering and Computer Science

Inspirational Event 2018

 

“It’s really important to get the message out there to the girls. Meeting female role models in engineering and computer science is really good. I was impressed with the amount of engagement between the professionals and the female students, and there was a lot of listening. I really hope we got through to some of them! The Career Speed Networking event was excellent. Hopefully, we inspired the female students to go home and investigate further careers in engineering and computer science.”

Nicola Gough, Head of Department, Closures Engineering at Bentley Motors

“I think these kinds of events are important. We know there’s a huge skills shortage in STEM and in engineering. We discussed the stats earlier: 10% of female engineers in the UK, the lowest in Europe. We absolutely have to shake this off now, we are all responsible in taking action. Events like these engage and inspire the younger generations and the people in those professions – and the talent pool comes together. I think we need to go forward and hold more events like these to ensure everyone is aware there is a huge skills gap, and to bring in diversity to shorten and lessen that gender gap.”

Salma Siddiqi, TLA Women in Technology and STEM Advocate

 

Toyota Apprentice Inspirational Event

 

“It was fantastic to see the group of school girls gradually learning and discovering the world of apprenticeships at Toyota today. I believe they have now gone away with a different perception on what opportunities are available for them and hope they will consider this in the future. Growing our talent pipeline is fundamental and we have got to get more young people in. The Academy is a positive statement for the automotive industry and enables us to showcase inspiring events like this. We need more women in our industry as the skills required to evolve and to ensure we have the diversity of thinking in everything we do!”

Robin Giles, Director – HR & Corporate Operations at Toyota GB

“Not only has it been an inspirational event, but it has been a great and engaging experience for students to take part in, especially the practical workshops and activities. It’s been an eye- opening day for the female students who haven’t considered a career in the automotive industry. Targeting the females was an excellent idea. After speaking to them, they are certainly inspired to further their career in the automotive industry.”

Jamie Utley, Community Enterprise Coordinator at Netherwood Academy

“The visit has opened the students’ eyes to the opportunities and diversity of roles available to them. It’s good for female students to see what opportunities there are out there. There are also a lot more apprenticeship roles than I had assumed. Overall, I like the idea of leading away from such a male dominated industry.”

Steve Walton, Teacher at Trinity Academy

 

Jobs of the Future and Intelligent Mobility Inspirational Event

 

“The professionalism and depth of knowledge from the team at Gaia really helped us to make our outreach event a tremendous success. Their passion and commitment towards supporting young talent is second to none. Thank you again Gaia.”

Michel Le Lerre – Manager, Transport Innovation Centre Sheffield, The University of Sheffield

 

Future Transport Innovation Event

 

“Our students had a great time and were interested and amazed by what they were shown. They rushed back into school to tell others about their experience.”

 Paul Read, PE Teacher and Senior Head of House, Sir Herbert Leon Academy

“The day was absolutely amazing and the students came away really inspired. They definitely got a lot out of it, especially from the activities. The day was organised really well with activities being long enough to engage the students but not too long so that they became restless. The enthusiasm of the people from Catapult maximised the impact on the students. It was a brilliant event to attend and we would be very keen to visit again.”

Eva Griffin, Careers and Work Experience Co-ordinator, Ousedale School

 

Women in Engineering and Computer Science

Inspirational Event 2017

 

“The level of student engagement was very impressive, better than any other careers event I have attended. I also thought that the mixture of hands on activity and interaction with professionals gave the students a good flavour of what engineering is like. I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet other women in engineering roles and find out about their careers.”

Tessa Colledge, Software Engineer at Autodesk UK

“Working with the Gaia Team is incredibly easy and straightforward. From our first meeting I felt as though they were definitely what I needed. They were incredibly organised and left no stone unturned to obtain exactly what I needed and from their experience they were able to advise me on the best strategy for the day to be a great success. Gaia’s team worked tirelessly and made me feel completely at ease throughout the entire process.”  

David Kavanagh, Head of Computer Science King Edward VII School, Sheffield