Britain’s leading nuclear services business has been reaching out to students at University Technical College (UTC) Warrington to inspire the next generation in science, technical, engineering and mathematical subjects.
Staff based at Cavendish Nuclear’s regional office in Warrington spent time with students as part of the company’s commitment to grow the pool of talent in STEM subjects.
Joanna Megson, a commercial graduate, and Lucy Butterfield, a process engineering graduate, attended a Women in Engineering networking event that copied a speed dating format.
This gave students a fast-paced opportunity to learn more about different roles in science and engineering from female STEM ambassadors and how women can succeed in these fields.
“I’m really passionate about helping more young people, especially girls, get into STEM and to show them there are a range of different career paths in the industry,” said Joanna.
“It was great to speak to those in years 9, 10 and 13 about the possible career opportunities available to them in engineering. The students were shocked that I am working in the engineering industry but I’m not an engineer. It proves you don’t need to an engineer to work in this sector and I’d really like to see that message communicated more widely.”
Meanwhile, another group of staff from Cavendish Nuclear’s Dalton Avenue complex spent time with students on a project to design new exhibition material for use at the company’s career and marketing events.
Future talent manager Adam Rourke, designers Stefan Thornton and Jordan Eddowes and graduates Mike Wilding and Andrew Payne, narrowed down various ideas over a three-week period to come up with a design that will soon be seen at careers fairs and industry events across the north-west.
“I found it engaging working with the year 9s and to see some of the innovation they showed,” said Stefan.
“There were some good ideas that we will be able to take forward in September and I’m excited to help support them further. Getting into schools and working with students like this gives them a feel for what a project is like and gives us an opportunity to engage with the students on a number of levels; for them to pick our brains about engineering, our careers or just a chat about how they are getting on at school.”
The winning team will get the chance of work experience at the company’s Birchwood office and the opportunity to meet senior leaders in the business.
