Science and Engineering are flying high in girls’ schools across Northern Ireland, with the launch of a ‘Women into Science and Engineering’ (WISE) initiative pioneered by Bombardier and assisted by School Employer Connections. The programme gives students an insight into the exciting world of aerospace through four stages, which range from workshops to site visits and a flight on a Bombardier aircraft. With four Derry~Londonderry girls’ taking part locally, the WISE programme, which is now in its sixth year, highlights careers in the science and engineering sector for Year 10 to 12 pupils, (13 -16 year olds) studying design and technology and it takes place over the school year.
As part of the programme students take part in several activities facilitated by Bombardier apprentices, which include making their own aeroplane to understand the design and complexity of aircraft parts and assembly. A visit to Bombardier’s Queen’s Island site allows pupils and teachers to see aerospace manufacturing first hand. The girls also visit the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum for a technology workshop in X2 The Flight Experience Gallery, which includes a flight in an aircraft simulator. In addition to the chance to spend a week on work placement, the highlight of the WISE programme is a flight on a Bombardier Q400. On the flight, pupils have the opportunity to hear the pilot explain the operation of the aircraft and see the forces of flight in action.
Owen Crozier, Engineering & Manufacturing Programme Manager, School Employer Connections, highlights the goals of the programme:
“Not only has the programme explained who Bombardier is and what the company designs and manufactures, but it has also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities open to women in science and engineering. There are numerous prospects for exciting careers within the sectors and the WISE programme is successful in motivating students to consider working in the area.”
Tony Monaghan, Education Liaison Officer, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, highlights the company’s commitment to engaging with schools in the region:
“Our key objectives are to encourage pupils to consider design and technology as exciting and creative processes of discovery and invention. Through our WISE programme, female students get the opportunity to visit one of the leading aerospace companies in the UK and gain a valuable insight to the career paths available in what is an exciting industry.”
For more information visit www.schoolemployerconnections.org or call 028 7136 4656.
