An engineer who worked on a Sun-observing satellite in Stevenage will be giving advice to young women interested in a career in science and technology over the next week.
Sian Cleaver from Hitchin worked on the Sun Orbiter Mission for Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage, and still works as a spacecraft engineer on a variety of other space projects.
The 25-year-old will be on hand from 4pm until 6pm today for a live question and answer session for AS and A-Level results day – giving advice to young women interested in professions involving science, technology, engineering and maths, subjects which come under the STEM banner.
Another Q&A will be held at the same time next Thursday for GCSE results day organised by the WISE Young Women’s Board website – established to encourage the next one million woman into STEM industries, while helping to demystify working as an engineer or in maths and sciences.
Sian said: “We are here to help, advise and point you in the right direction.
“The WISE campaign is to get young women into STEM industries as a caree – I’m keen in getting woman interested in engineering.
“The word engineering sometimes gets used in the wrong context, and can be slightly off-putting to potential entrants – there are a lot of misconceptions.
“It can be associated with ‘messy’ hands-on jobs which is not necessarily true.
“Engineering is one of the broadest career areas you could possibly go into. There’s so many engineering opportunities out there.
“Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage offers both an apprenticeship and graduate scheme, allowing you to get involved with the design and manufacture of actual spacecraft.
“So if space engineering is something you might be interested in, the opportunities are right here on your doorstep.
“My advice to young women thinking about engineering is: ‘Don’t think it’s not for me’.
“Take time to research it. Google something you’re interested in, and add the word engineering onto it. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
“It isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get the results you’re after. Talk to your teacher who might be able to point out alternative options. I wanted to be an astronomer, and I became a space engineer. Just because ‘Plan A’ may not work out, try exploring ‘Plan B’ or ‘C’.”
Visit www.wisecampaign.org.uk/resultsday and facebook page Airbus Group Careers
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