Derby College has teamed up with Rolls-Royce plc to organise an event to raise the profile of career opportunities in Engineering for females.

An information evening will be held at Derby College’s Ilkeston campus in Pimlico on Thursday February 11 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

In addition to a range of workshop activities, there will be an opportunity for females of all ages who are interested in engineering to talk to female engineers from Rolls-Royce.

As well as being engineers they are also Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Ambassadors.  They are just a few of the 1,000 Rolls-Royce employees who are committed to promoting STEM in their local communities.

Rolls-Royce, Education Outreach Manager, Nicola Swaney explained: “Rolls-Royce actively works with schools and colleges to inspire interest and encourage diversity amongst those taking STEM subjects.

“Two of our female engineers will be there to talk about the opportunities our Apprentice and Graduate schemes offer and will also be running various interactive STEM activities.

“Engineering is traditionally seen as a male dominated industry, but by supporting events like these Rolls-Royce is challenging that perception and emphasising the opportunities available.”

Derby College Chief Executive Mandie Stravino continued: “It is important that we raise the profile of Engineering as a career as this is the backbone of the local and regional economy.

“Nationally, according to the Royal Academy of Engineers, around 100,000 new science, technology, engineering and maths graduates are needed every year to fulfil the job opportunities in the UK.

“Engineering can be seen as a male-dominated industry.  Indeed just 10% of engineers in the UK are currently women.

“We therefore need to encourage more females into the STEM subjects and particularly Engineering.”

To register for this and future Females Into Engineering events at Derby College, please contact Lorraine.hitchcock@derby-college.ac.uk or telephone 01332 387449