Female students challenged to ‘Aim High’ for International Women in Engineering Day #IWD2020

In support of the upcoming International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2019, Cranfield University hosted an interactive event, encouraging young female students to ‘Aim High’ and consider a career in engineering.

On 30^th April, female Year 7 students from local schools including Stantonbury International School and Sports College, Biddenham International School, Castle Newnham School, Wixams Academy, Holywell School and Daubeney Academy were invited to the Aim High event, held at Cranfield University. The event gave the students the opportunity to interact with leading female engineers and to attend talks and practical demonstrations with Cranfield University, Boeing UK and other exhibiting companies. The students were also able to tour key facilities at the University, such as the Aerospace Integration Research Centre and the Cranfield Impact Centre – one of just three FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) approved test centres in the world, crash-testing Formula One cars.

The students have been challenged to act as a leadership team and work together with their classmates to create their own ‘Aim High’ magazine using content from the event. The magazines will be submitted in June, ahead of INWED 2019. The winning school will have their magazine printed and will also receive a visit from one of the organisations or engineers who were at the event.

The Aim High INWED 2019 event aimed to inspire the next generation of future female engineers and to increase awareness of the various engineering disciplines – from aerospace to motorsport and manufacturing. It gave the students an opportunity to experience first-hand the exciting work that is taking place – both at Cranfield University and in the wider industry – while showcasing the ways in which engineering contributes to society, the environment and people’s wellbeing.

Alongside Cranfield University and Boeing UK, companies who attended the event included: Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, BAE Systems, Nissan, Unilever, Rolls-Royce and Anglian Water.

Professor Lynette Ryals OBE, Chief Executive of MK:U Ltd, said: “Through the Aim High event, we hoped to open up the world of engineering to young women. By engaging the students in practical activities, and giving them the opportunity to interact with leading women in the field, we aim to inspire more young women to pursue careers in engineering.”

As sponsors of INWED 2019, Cranfield University and Boeing are committed to supporting female engineers, improving diversity in the industry and encouraging young women to engage with engineering as a career.