Even from a young age, it’s essential that students are aware of the career paths and opportunities available to them. It is especially important for girls to feel empowered and able to pursue their dream career, and I was honoured to play a small part in that.
A Sheffield primary school, Hatfield Academy, recently organised an event called Celebrating Sisterhood which aimed to inspire and empower their Year 6 girls. Along with Chantelle Lawrence and Joanne Woolley, two other apprentices at STEM Learning, we were invited to attend the event to deliver a presentation to the girls.
We spoke about what inspired us to choose our chosen career, what obstacles we have faced and how positive female relationships have helped us get where we are today. The girls seemed really interested in what we had to say and particularly loved the slime which Chantelle, STEM Learning’s Lab Technician Apprentice, took along with her.
Whilst talking to the girls, I asked a number of them whether they enjoyed science, to which they all answered yes. It was great to see so many young girls interested and engaged in science subjects from a young age. This was a great opportunity for Chantelle to show the girls that these interests can lead to great careers if they pursue science and work hard. They have even asked their teacher if we can go back soon as they want to learn how to make the slime!
A number of other speakers were also at the event, all from a variety of different backgrounds and careers, including; a professional ice skater, company director of a beauty salon, founder and managing director of Noodle Performance Arts and a female teacher from Hatfield Academy.
It was very interesting to get an insight into their careers and their different journeys of getting there. Nikki Johnson, founder and managing director of Noodle Performance Arts, always knew from a young age that she wanted to be a singer. She was repeatedly told that she would not succeed a singer but didn’t let other people stop her from following her dreams. Even now Nikki sings several evenings a week in tribute bands as well as managing the performing arts school.
Whilst talking to the girls, I asked a number of them whether they enjoyed science, to which they all answered yes. It was great to see so many young girls interested and engaged in science subjects from a young age.
I was particularly inspired by Caroline Pillay, director of construction company Airey Miller Partnership. At the start of her talk, Caroline asked the girls what they wanted to be when they were older and, as expected, none of them said they wanted to work in the construction industry. They associated the construction industry with ‘building things’ and didn’t at first realise the variety of jobs available in this industry. Caroline Pillay explained that she is often the only woman on a building site and, although this may sound daunting, to not let this put you off pursuing a great career in the construction industry.
After talking to the girls more about her job, Caroline asked again whether any of them would like to work in the construction industry and a few of the girls raised their hands. She emphasised that working in construction is not only for males and that there are great opportunities for females too.
For me, that really showed how important it is for children to have a good understanding of the range of careers available - sometimes they aren’t aware of the opportunities out there and challenging the stereotypes at a young age is crucial.
It was very inspiring, for me, the Year 6 girls and I’m sure every other female in the room, to know that you can do what you want, no matter what your gender, as long as you work hard.