NEWS

The Range Rover Evoque WISE Scholarship

Zara Phillips seen here following in the footsteps of her Grandmother, the Queen, an ATS volunteer in World War II.

WISE are delighted to announce this exciting collaboration between Jaguar Land Rover and WISE to offer sponsorship to three female scholars wishing to pursue engineering at University or as an apprentice. 

Download the application form or view the frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

According to a report published by Engineering UK, Britain needs to double the number of engineering graduates and triple the number of engineering apprentices by 2020 to meet industry needs. At present, just thirteen per cent of engineering undergraduates are female, a problem Land Rover is determined to address. In addition to the Range Rover Evoque WISE Scholarship, Land Rover already runs specific training schemes to support ambitious female engineers.

The Range Rover Evoque WISE Scholarship will provide a £9,000 bursary to three female students or apprentices who would like to explore a career or further studies in engineering.  In addition the winners will be provided with mentoring support from both Land Rover senior engineers and WISE representatives.

To find out more about the scholarship and to hear Zara Phillips talking about the role of women in engineering in the UK watch the video here.

BBC Academy Young Technologists

Held in partnership with BBC Outreach, the BBC Academy Young technologists events have so far taken place in London, Cardiff and Manchester. These events give pupils and teachers from local schools the rare chance to spend a day learning about the many ways engineering, technology and software development are utilised by a national broadcaster. Find out more by clicking here and watch a film of an event here.

The Big Bang Fair 2013

Girls share their ideas about science, Big Bang Fair, March 201

WISE, Intel and the Institute of Physics ran four workshops at the Big Bang Fair in London, facilitated by young women working as scientists and engineers in industry, the Police, international development and academic research.

Here is what some of the girls said about their experience of the day:

"I think to get people involved in STEM, or science, by advertisements, is to not dress girls up, but let them be themselves."

"You shouldn't have to teach yourself. It should be your teacher's job. They should motivate you."

"It was fun and interesting, as it showed how science can really change everything."

"I have learnt that female engineers are very low in numbers and that shocked me. I have learnt that more women need to do STEM!"

"With hard work you can achieve anything you put your mind to."

"Girls need a massive, cool role model scientist who is female. Then perhaps more girls would want to take up science."

"I enjoyed a bit of time in an all girl environment - you can say different things than at school."

WISE are always looking for inspirational role models: add your profile to theGetSET Women database.

Here is what Aritri Dhar, Associate Project Automation Specialist at Fluor Limited had to say about her experience of being a role model for WISE at the Big Bang Fair this year:

"Firstly, I would like to thank you for giving me a fantastic opportunity! I really enjoyed myself spreading awareness about a woman's role in the engineering world. The entire program was well-structured and got all the girls quite involved. It felt really nice to be on the other side of the table and I wish I had someone to tell me as well when I was of their age."

Contact WISE for advice on running your own session for girls to discuss their ideas about science, technology and engineering.

RAF Work Experience weeks in Summer 2013

The RAF have two work placements for Summer 2013.  Both placements involve a strong focus on engineering and team building activities, and incorporate a Creativity in Science and Technology (CREST) activity, supported by the British Science Association. 

The first will be a work experience week for Year 10 girls at RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton in Shropshire, from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August 2013. The focus of this placement will be on aeronautical engineering, but will encompass all aspects of engineering.

The second will be a four day work experience placement for Year 10 girls at RAF Leeming, near Northallerton in Yorkshire, from Sunday 4th August to Wednesday 7th August 2013.  The focus of this placement will be on electronic engineering, but will encompass all aspects of engineering.

To apply for these opportunities, please follow the links below:

RAF Cosford Work Experience Week

RAF Leeming Work Experience Week

Exclusive WISE Leadership Training for individuals Wednesday 19 June 2013

WISE are running an empowering one day course designed to inspire individual women to excel in the field of leadership, the course will be held in central London next month. There are just 20 places available at a cost of £200 to non-members and £165 to WISE members. Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis; please contact Ingrid Ovenstone to express interest and secure your place or to request more information.