Schoolgirls in Stevenage tasked with choosing their GCSE options later this year were given a boost at a careers event on Monday which championed women in industry.

The pupils, all in Year 9 at The Thomas Alleyne Academy, paired up to quiz ‘Inspirational Women’ in a speed-dating style set up at the Old Town campus. Inclusion manager Laura Dowle said: “The idea of this event is to open the young ladies’ eyes to careers they may not have considered.”

The students had 21/2 minutes with each professional – whose careers ranged from solicitors, nurses and police officers to electricians, carpenters and gardeners – to get a feel for the work they do and whether it might be for them.

Pupil Lauren Snook said: “I really enjoyed speaking to the physiotherapist and learning more about her career, which was a surprise to me because I’m interested in cooking and wanted to be a chef.”

One of the women who attended was carpenter Nicola Butcher, who said: “It was a privilege to inspire and encourage the young women of the future and spread the word that the construction industry is not just for men.”

In its second year, the event marked International Women’s Day at the school, and comes after the ‘Men@Work’ event for the boys back in February.