Two Associate Members of the Institution are among a group of graduate engineers at BAE Systems Maritime – Submarines who have set up DiSECT: Diversity in Science, Engineering and Changing Technology.
Fiona Berndt AIMechE, a Mechanical Graduate is the group’s Secretary and Dan Webb AIMechE, a Structural Engineering Graduate is Treasurer. They are part of a team headed by Chair, Emma Williams, a Safety Engineering Graduate. Closely connected with the Cumbria branch of the Women’s Engineering Society, the group’s aim is:
“To encourage students, male or female, in schools, colleges and universities in the local area to participate in STEM subjects either in further study or a career by increasing the visibility of women currently working in STEM-related roles, and highlighting the benefits and diverse range of opportunities available within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.”
DiSECT is encouraging fellow employees at BAE Systems to inspire upcoming engineers to find careers within the industry, by offering work experience and placements, or by offering to visit schools to talk about STEM. The group is also promoting the rewards of becoming a STEM Ambassador to colleagues and welcomes ideas to broaden the scope of its outreach activities. It is also contacting local businesses to see how they might join in.
Dan Webb said there is plenty of enthusiasm for educational outreach at BAE Systems: “I really like the fact that everyone is really keen on promoting STEM. I am passionate about engineering so sharing that passion and encouraging others is really enjoyable.”
He explained what inspired him to look for ways to encourage girls to consider a career in engineering: “At a computer programming event I attended, it was really interesting how the girls seemed to understand logical thinking better than most of the boys. Yet they aren’t taking these skills into STEM subjects.”
“I then spoke to a few female colleagues about their experiences and suggested that we could look into the possibility of setting up a group which would promote STEM in a gender neutral way, rather than using the stereotypical cars, trains and planes that are considered more suitable for boys. They loved the idea and were really keen to get involved.”
Fiona Berndt said that the group has many events in the pipeline: “We organised a week of work experience for girls during February half-term; and are planning to run STEM activities at local schools; and setting up an event for the first ever National Women in Engineering day on 23rd June. We are also trying to increase the number of female representatives at other STEM events in the local area.”
Dan commented that DiSECT intends to have as many visible female role models as possible at the events it holds, as this is one of the key ingredients to break down perceived barriers between girls and engineering. Although some events will exclusively focus on girls, overall they are aiming for ‘gender neutral’ activities, he says:
“As the only male involved it is really interesting to hear about my female colleagues’ experiences. Whereas I knew it was the career for me from the beginning, many of them didn’t even consider it until the later years of education. I think it is really important to be diverse, though the route to diversity shouldn’t discriminate against anyone. There is a fine line between promoting to girls and discriminating against boys and by setting up DiSECT we hope to get the balance just right.”
Both Dan and Fiona view their involvement with DiSECT as a learning opportunity. They can develop skills such as project management and teamwork, as well as do their best to help promote STEM to future engineers and scientists.
Fiona said: “Measuring the success of our outreach work is really difficult, especially as the real measure will require quite a long term view. In the short term, getting more engagement with STEM activities will hopefully lead more girls and boys to participate in STEM subjects either in further study or as a career in the long term.”