Economy Minister Edwina Hart has welcomed the launch of the second Airbus Industrial Cadets programme at Broughton to introduce girls to basic engineering and manufacturing and increase the take-up of science and technology subjects.
Feedback from the inaugural all-girls Welsh Government sponsored initiative at Broughton last year was very positive the Minister said and the 2014 programme – again sponsored by the Welsh Government – is back by popular demand.
The Minister said: “I am delighted the Welsh Government is sponsoring this very important initiative by Airbus to give young people an insight into industry and manufacturing and raise awareness of local career opportunities.
“The feedback from teachers and pupils who took part last year is very encouraging -100% of teachers involved believed the Industrial Cadets scheme was beneficial to the students and wanted to participate in the programme again – while all the students said they had learned more about careers in manufacturing and industry.
“The programme helped address negative connotations of engineering and gender imbalances. We want to encourage more women to pursue STEM related careers in industry and highlight the fact that if they take up appropriate subjects at school and higher education it can open up opportunities in many diverse, interesting and well paid careers .”
The Minister added the Airbus Industrial Cadets initiative supports the Welsh Government’s Qualified for Life – Focus on Science campaign which aims to reinforce just how valuable science is to children and their parents, and to encourage a real increase in performance.
Last week the Minister issued a statement on Science in Wales: Inspiring the Next Generation which included a range of activities to break down barriers and actively encourage more girls to continue the study of STEM subjects and go on to pursue careers in science and technology.
Gary Griffiths, Head of Early Careers at Airbus in the UK, said: “Airbus is proud to support the Industrial Cadets scheme in Broughton again this year and we hope the programme will give the cadets the momentum to pursue jobs within the wider engineering manufacturing sector. We anticipate that providing the student demonstrates the right skills and qualifications, they can pursue highly successful careers in aerospace engineering, regardless of gender.”