Renishaw launches STEM initiative to support girls into engineering

The 'Girl Engineers At Renishaw Series' (GEARS), is a new initiative, focussed on girls currently at secondary school, and was developed to tackle the persistent underrepresentation of women in engineering and technology. Women currently make up just 16.9% of the workforce, compared with 56% across other occupations. Research also shows that students who attend one or more STEM careers activities are 3.4 times more likely to consider a future in engineering, highlighting the importance of sustained employer engagement from an early age.

Renishaw's programme has been designed to address the key barriers affecting girls' participation in engineering. These include increasing access to visible role models and improving understanding of career pathways, qualifications and opportunities.

"During June and July, we worked with four schools local to our manufacturing site in South Wales, with each school selecting 15 Year 8 students to participate", said Laura Penney, STEM Outreach Officer at Renishaw. "The students took part in three workshops, using repeated interaction with the engineering industry to build confidence and inspiration beyond a one-off session."

Teachers were invited to nominate students they felt would benefit most from direct engagement with engineering. Renishaw was keen to work with girls who are curious about how things work and who may gain confidence in their STEM abilities by attending the programme. Each participating school was paired with a Renishaw STEM Ambassador, who remained with the school throughout all three sessions to build familiarity with the students and provide a consistent, relatable role model for girls considering careers in engineering.

During the first workshop, Renishaw introduced the company and explained its global work in engineering, manufacturing and metrology. Students met with their STEM Ambassadors to learn what they were like in Year 8 and about their journey into engineering.

In the second session, students watched a day-in-the-life video from their ambassador to gain a clearer understanding of what engineering roles involve, before taking part in a live Q&A session where they could ask questions about work, study, interests and career decisions.

The final session took place on 23 June at Renishaw's Miskin site to mark International Women in Engineering Day, with students across the programme joining the celebration. The on-site experience was designed to demystify engineering and manufacturing by immersing students in a real industrial environment. Students took part in STEM and employability workshops and toured the manufacturing facility with their ambassador. They also had the opportunity to meet Louise Callanan, a member of Renishaw's Executive Committee, providing them with insight into leadership roles within the business.

"The GEARS programme has been a highly positive experience for Bryntirion students, with the recent visit to Renishaw in Miskin on International Women in Engineering Day a real highlight," said Mr Lloyd Rowe, Head of Skills at Bryntirion Comprehensive School. "From hands-on STEM activities to a tour of a world leading facility, our Year 8 girls were inspired. Experiences like this are invaluable in building confidence, broadening horizons, and supporting informed GCSE and future career choices."

Through GEARS, Renishaw aims to give girls in South Wales sustained access to relatable role models, practical engineering experiences and honest careers advice at a crucial age, when many are beginning to form views about their future.