Army Engineers have shared their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) based expertise with Grantham Army Cadets at a hands-on interactive weekend.
The town’s Army cadets were among more than 180 female cadets from across the East Midlands and East Anglia that attended the event that was held to mark International Women in Engineering Day that takes place on Sunday 23rd June.
Held at Chetwynd Barracks in Nottingham, the event gave the cadets an opportunity to speak to military personnel about their engineering and logistic roles and learn how STEM skills contribute to the success of the British Army.
The cadets completed a series of stands including command tasks, bridge building and STEM challenges.
Corporal Jasmine Pellett from Grantham Troop Royal Logistic Corps said: “It’s been a good experience. We’ve been busy, and it’s opened our minds to new experiences. I think it has helped us a lot because it has shown us what we can do.”
“It’s shown me what I could go into if I joined the Army,” said Lance Corporal Jessica Burrows (14). “People are used to men being in the Army so its great to meet female soldiers, hear what they’ve done and their roles. It’s been an eye-opener and breaks the stereotypical view of a soldier.”
The event was organised by Sergeant Kate Dunscombe who is an Army Reservist in 65 Works Group Royal Engineers, part of 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group. In her civilian life Kate works as a Signalling Systems Trainer for the London Underground and is also a Company Sergeant Major in the Army Cadet Force.
She said: “The aim is to get young women who are interested in an engineering
career to see the wider opportunities available. Many people think that the
Army is just about the infantry and may not be aware of the variety of
engineering opportunities available.
“I’ve always enjoyed maths and science and finding out how things work. I enjoy problem solving and that’s what engineering is about; you have a look at the problem and you think how you could find a solution; how many different ways are there to solve it.”
She continued: “The motto of the Army Cadet Force is to inspire to achieve and that’s what we have set out to do this weekend. We have put females in the spotlight and demonstrated how innovative, challenging and exciting engineering can be and that it’s a career choice open to all.”
“I wanted the girls to meet women who are working in engineering already and see what they have achieved. I hope they leave knowing a little more about engineering and how being a woman is no barrier to a fantastic career in engineering.”
Insight into the breadth and scope of engineering careers was given by female Army Officers and soldiers and concluded with a Question and Answer session.
They also heard how a STEM career path doesn’t have to mean university. The Army has one of the largest nationally recognised apprenticeship schemes in the UK including engineering and maintenance and technology and communications.
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