A collaboration aimed at encouraging more females to think about careers in green technology has been hailed as a great success.
Following on from two ‘Green Tech Fest’ events that were held at Adastral Park in Martlesham, the final stage of this partnership saw a competition involving over 100 secondary school students (that were predominantly female) take part in a competition.
The occasion took place at the University Professional Development Centre based on Western Way in Bury St Edmunds.
The challenge asked students to come up with solutions to real life problems relating to green technology in either an urban development or the agricultural sector.
Some of the ideas that students came up with included automated delivery drones powered by hydrogen, an ‘electropad’ for pavements that generates electricity as people walk on them and an automated robot to clean up the streets.
Vouchers to support technology clubs in schools totalling £1000.00 were then evenly distributed to all schools who participated.
n2s, the technology IT waste lifecycle management company donated three recycled copper bottles that were awarded to students for innovation and teamwork.
All competitors received a CREST Discovery award certificate from the British Science Association.
The programme of events was set up thanks to a link-up between BT, Eastern Education Group, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, STEM learning and N2S.
The whole idea of the campaign was to shine a light on the exciting opportunities that technology roles offer in relation to sustainability – whilst also encouraging more girls to consider careers in technology.
As part of that, Charlie Shingfield, 19, from Mildenhall spoke about her passion for technology during this final session. The level 3 West Suffolk College engineering student said: “I spoke about my experiences on the course and I enjoy attending events like this -trying to get young people engaged in technology – it’s empowering.”
Loreli Ellistone, 17, Great Livermere is on the same course as Charlie and also spoke about her passion for engineering and technology. Loreli said: “I came along (to the Green Tech Fest) to try and be a role model, be a positive voice to other young people, give my perspective and tell all boys and girls present that you can do it – even if you are nervous. I said don’t be scared and bring your own perspective (to green technology).”
In terms of why she loves green tech, Loreli added: “I love the creativity of it and coming up with solutions – I find it relaxing. I think what the college is doing with the campaign is brilliant.”
Emily Cormack, 13 from Alde Valley Academy took part in the competition,. She said: “It was interesting learning new ways of technology in agriculture. I think the campaign is strong. It has increased my want to go into it (green tech).”
Jessica Martin, 14, from Alde Valley Academy said: “I’ve always really loved technology. I like the campaign – it empowers people to believe people do it (work in technology).”
Charlie Evans, 13, from Claydon High School said: “I think the campaign is a great idea as we need more people to get into the sector to develop it further.”
Ella Fairburn, 13, from Claydon High School said: “I always knew the area I want to go in to but the campaign has helped me discover a bit more (about green technology).”
Nina Hart is the sustainability lead for Eastern Education Group. Nina said: “It’s really important to raise awareness of green tech and sustainable jobs – particularly with girls. I think this series of events have opened new career paths up to everyone who took part and I think that this project will hopefully create a legacy that increases female participation in this sector. The feedback we have had suggests that the campaign has been a huge success.”
Mr. Neill, Head of Business & Computing at Alde Valey said, “By giving girls experiences like the I Belong Day at BT, we empower them to pursue their passions, break barriers, and unleash their full potential. It broadens their horizons and encourages them to explore career paths they may not have considered before.”
A spokesperson for n2s said: “We were delighted to support this event, as it aligns perfectly with our values and mission to develop sustainability solutions and encourage diversity in the tech industry.”
