RAF Engineering: A Brighter Future for Teenage Girls
A group of 24 teenage girls from across the country were this week treated to a taste of life in the RAF, as part of the drive to encourage girls to consider a career in engineering.
Organised by RAF Cosford in Shropshire and national charity, Women into Science, Engineering and Construction (W.I.S.E), the 14 - 15 year olds girls were selected from scores of Year 10 applicants with a passion for engineering. The girls were asked to write about their hobbies, interests and career ambitions and entered into a tough selection process.
During the week, the girls discovered how aircraft, like fast jets and helicopters, work and experienced hands-on engineering by removing the flaps from jet provost aircraft and also by designing and building gliders with 3 metre wingspans.
Designs were then flight tested at RAF Cosford. The achievements of the girls were recognised with the award of the British Science Association’s Bronze CREST Award in the category of Investigation/ Design and Make.
The RAF is engaging with girls as young as 13 to encourage them to continue with maths and science at school, and to enthuse them about non-traditional careers.
By doing so, they aim to increase the number of women going into technical occupations in the RAF, including considering a career as a pilot - roles not traditionally associated with women.
Impressed by the high volume of interested applicants, Sqn Ldr Glyn Dean, SO2 Concepts at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell says: "The applications were of a very high standard - it is really encouraging to see the interest and appetite for engineering and technical careers in young women.
"The prime objective of the week was to give the girls a real hands-on experience of what engineering careers can deliver in the RAF. The girls also experienced life in the RAF by staying on the base for the entire week, which was a challenge as for some this was their first time away from home.
"Through this, we hope to improve female representation in engineering and technical specialisations including flying, air traffic control and aerospace battle management."
Rebecca Walsh, from Queensbridge School says: "It was a fantastic week. Not many girls get the chance to have a real hands-on experience of working in the RAF, so I feel really privileged. It’s great that the RAF as so behind girls getting into a career in engineering."
Lydia Marie Faban, from St Wilfred's Catholic School says: "Lots of girls applied from my school but there were only two places and I feel very lucky to have been chosen. We’ve had the chance to do some amazing things this week, like work on real planes and design and build gliders that actually flew. There is a lot more to engineering when you put it into practice, I’d definitely consider a career in the RAF now."
The RAF is actively recruiting for RAF Reserves, Aerospace Battle Managers, Air Traffic Controllers, Regiment Officers and Pilots. For more information RAF visit www.raf.mod.uk/careers or call 0845 605 5555 (0845 606 9069 for reserves).