Zoe Sneddon, a year 11 student from Guernsey Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre,  won a competition held at Guernsey College of Further Education’s INWED (International Women in Engineering Day) event last term.

Around 250 years eight to 11 year students from island schools attended the event, where they had the opportunity to participate in a number of hands-on activities demonstrating the wide range of applications for which an engineering qualification can be used. They also heard presentations from senior women working in engineering-related roles.

Attendees then completed a challenging quiz questionnaire drawing on what they had learnt during the day. Zoe was the only student who answered all questions correctly and was presented with an iPad at a school assembly on 18 Sept by Claire Packman, Communications Manager from event sponsor Guernsey Electricity.

Mrs Packman said:

‘There are some fantastic career opportunities in the engineering field and there is a recognised skills shortage in this area. This type of event is the perfect way to demonstrate to these girls the range of options available to them. Guernsey Electricity was delighted to be able to support the event.’

John Semenowicz, Guernsey College of Further Education’s Programme Leader for engineering added:

‘I was delighted that the event saw the college, schools and local industry working together to promote INWED. It was fantastic see so many girls attending this year with all secondary schools represented. We are particularly grateful to Guernsey Electricity for sponsoring the day and this prize, and also to Dr Karen Marshall from Ladies’ College for her invaluable supprt in preparing for the event.’

National Women in Engineering Day was set up by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to celebrate its 95th anniversary.

On 23 June 2014 WES wanted to focus attention on the great opportunities for women in engineering, at a time when it has never been more important to address the engineering skills shortage. Encouraging girls into engineering careers not only increases diversity and inclusion – a business imperative – but fills the substantial future job opportunities predicted in this sector. This year the scope of the day increased and the decision was made to change the name to International Women in Engineering Day, and schools, colleges and other organisations organised events around the UK.

The College will be holding its event next year on Friday 21 June.

Photo left to right Matthew Jamieson, Guernsey Grammar School & Sixth Form Centre, Zoe Sneddon, John Semenowicz Guernsey College of Further Education Head of Engineering, Laura Packman Communications Manager Guernsey Electric