Young women take the first step towards engineering careers at Teesside University residential

A new generation of future engineers has taken its first steps towards an exciting career after spending three days at Teesside University as part of the Women into Engineering Residential (WiER), supported by Enginuity.

Held from 1-3 July, the free residential welcomed Year 12 female students from across the UK, giving them the opportunity to experience university life while exploring the many exciting opportunities a career in engineering can offer. Through practical workshops, hands-on engineering challenges and access to specialist facilities, participants discovered first-hand how engineering is helping solve some of society's biggest challenges.

The residential forms part of Enginuity's wider commitment to addressing the engineering and manufacturing sector's skills shortage by encouraging more young women to consider careers in engineering. By providing meaningful experiences and access to relatable role models, the programme aims to break down barriers and build confidence at a pivotal stage in students' education.

Building confidence through hands-on experiences

Throughout the residential, students explored a wide range of engineering skills, from renewable energy and materials testing to digital design and manufacturing. Alongside practical activities, they met women currently studying and working in engineering, gaining valuable insight into the different pathways into the profession and hearing first-hand about their experiences.

The programme also allowed participants to experience life on campus, helping them build independence, make new friendships and imagine themselves studying engineering at university.

The residential builds on Enginuity's ongoing partnership with Teesside University to widen participation in engineering and create more opportunities for young people from all backgrounds. Earlier this year, the partnership also launched the Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship: Powered by Enginuity, supporting first-year female engineering students and demonstrating a shared commitment to improving gender diversity across the sector.

Nicola Dolan, Associate Director of Charity Operations and Impact, commented: "The Women into Engineering Residential is about giving young women the confidence to see themselves as future engineers. We know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't always equal.

By bringing students together to experience engineering first-hand, meet inspiring role models and explore the incredible possibilities this sector offers, we're helping to break down barriers and broaden horizons. It's been fantastic to see the enthusiasm, curiosity and ambition shown by every participant.

“We hope this experience has inspired them to continue exploring engineering, whether that's through studying at Teesside University or pursuing one of the many other pathways into the engineering and manufacturing sector. We're proud to continue working with Teesside University to inspire the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent."

Professor Chrisina Jayne, Teesside University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement & Partnerships), said: “We’re proud to be working with Enginuity to help young women seeking to start on their engineering journey.

“Women remain underrepresented in many engineering disciplines and it’s vital that we continue to be involved in helping to create opportunities to help encourage more women to choose engineering as a career.  It’s important that we promote the involvement of women in the engineering sector to highlight that there are no barriers to achieving success in this field.”

Creating more opportunities for women in engineering

Women remain significantly underrepresented across the UK's engineering workforce, making initiatives like the Women into Engineering Residential an important part of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline.

By helping young women experience engineering in a practical, welcoming and supportive environment, Enginuity and Teesside University hope more students will feel empowered to pursue engineering courses, apprenticeships and careers that will help shape the future of the sector.

The residential reflects Enginuity's mission to close skills gaps by inspiring the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can see a place for themselves in the sector.

Discover more Teesside Residentials