YOUNG women aspiring to be engineers received a taste of their future careers thanks to the University of Salford and the Royal Engineering Academy.
More than 100 teenagers aged 14-17 took part in the renowned Insight and Dragonfly programmes, which are designed to encourage girls interested in science and engineering into exciting degree courses, industries and careers.
The University, in partnership with Headstart for the Royal Academy of Engineering, hosted a 4 day residential course for year 12 girls from all over the UK and international schools abroad and a one day course for year 10 girls from local schools.
The residential ‘Insight School’ features talks by female engineers, practical workshops, site visits to local industries and the opportunity to meet other young women interested in following an engineering career. All of the students stay on the Salford campus to get a taste of university life.
The courses are organised by Professor Haifa Takruri who was made MBE in 2009 for her services to encouraging women into engineering and science.
Haifa said: “The participants really enjoy the week, and we hope it helps them make the right decision about their future studies and careers in engineering and science.
“Visiting the university and industries to see engineering in action makes a huge difference in understanding what would a career in engineering and science entail.
"I am indebted to all my colleagues who continue to support the programme unconditionally, and would like to thank the companies and organisations who have made it possible."
Partner companies are: BBC, Arup, Siemens, Daresbury Laboratories, Cargill, The Specialised Ability Centre, Manchester Airport, Sellafield, Buro Happold, Laing O'Rourke and Jacobs and EE provided financial support.
