Sunderland College has inspired young women to consider a range of exciting career opportunities in male-dominated industries.
Over 250 female students from five secondary schools were given an insight into careers in the digital, construction, engineering and sport sectors as part of a specialist event to challenge gender stereotypes.
Throughout the day, the year 10 students from Castle View Enterprise Academy, Kepier, South Shields School, Washington Academy and Thornhill Academy had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of plastering, bricklaying, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery, welding, pneumatics, football coaching, and cyber security.
Joanne McManus, Faculty Director for Engineering, Construction and Commercial at Sunderland College, said:
“This type of event is very important for the college as it promotes gender diversity and inspires girls to consider a future in a traditionally male-dominated career. Women can excel and make a real difference in areas such as engineering and construction, which many of the students here today may not have even considered.
“We are committed to helping young people regardless of gender, to explore the vast career options available to them and make an informed decision about their future.”
The engineering and construction sessions took place in state-of-the-art, industry standard workshops at the College’s City Campus, and the sports and digital sessions took place at the sports and arts academies at Bede Campus on Durham Road.
Debra Corkin, Learning Support Assistant from Thornhill School, said:
“The taster day is a good way of introducing girls to other courses that they would not have necessarily chosen when looking through a college prospectus. The girls enjoyed taking part in the challenges throughout the day and it boosted their self-esteem. They would never have thought of choosing a career in construction and engineering before today, as they saw them as careers for boys.”
For more information about Sunderland College, visit the next open event, ring 0191 511 6000 or go to www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk