Celebrating Women in Engineering

Students from Wigan & Leigh College

Wigan & Leigh College are celebrating International Women in Engineering Day– a day dedicated to raising the profile and celebrating the achievements of females in the industry.
 
Inspirational female engineers at the College are making it their mission to encourage more females to join the industry where currently only 7% of the engineering workforce is female. 

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​Georgia Webb, former student of Fred Longworth High School, wants to help change the perception that engineering is a career for men and that it is a profession where you get your hands dirty. She said, “I chose to study Electrical Engineering because engineers are scientists. Engineering affects every part of our lives which I why chose it as a career – to make a difference.”
 
At Wigan & Leigh College, the female engineers can choose from different study options including full-time courses, apprenticeships, Higher National qualifications, degrees or degree apprenticeships.  The College has close links with some of the biggest names in engineering such as Sellafield, MBDA, Electricity North West and National Nuclear Ltd and students use first class facilities and the latest innovative technologies to learn computer aided design, 3D printing and modelling, software design and manufacturing applications.
 
Lucinda Jones, former student of St Peter’s High School added, “As part of my apprenticeship with MBDA, I am studying a HND in Electrical Engineering which is equivalent to doing two years at university and I am enjoying earning while I learn.”
 
During their time at Wigan & Leigh College, these aspiring engineers have had the opportunity to meet female guest speakers and listen to them present the high earning potential, the large amount of job opportunities in Wigan and Greater Manchester, and how companies are highly investing in female engineers.   
 
Phil Collier, Head of Engineering at Wigan & Leigh College said “The number of women choosing Engineering as their career pathway is increasing. This year we have a record number of females enrolled onto Engineering courses and apprenticeships at our Centre for Engineering.”
 
Anna Dawe, Principal at Wigan & Leigh College said, “I am delighted to see more females choosing STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, Maths) careers. At Wigan & Leigh College we are working closely with the young women to inspire, support and enhance their professional development.”