Colchester Institute hosts technology taster workshop for girls (From Gazette)

Colchester Institute hosts technology taster workshop for girls

9:20am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News By James Cox

BRICKLAYING, spray-painting and motor mechanics might not be skills generally associated with teenage girls, but Colchester Institute is keen to encourage more young women into these areas.

The institute hosted a technology taster workshop, designed to introduce young women to jobs traditionally dominated by men.

The event offered hundreds of Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils the chance to get their hands dirty by trying such trades. Steve Dale, the institute’s head of construction, said: ‘‘It is important to show female students the vast range of careers they can go into.

“It’s not just about bricklaying, or motor vehicle repair or engineering.

“The options are endless. Female students are often pushed into different directions without first given them the opportunity to discover what’s out there. This event will hopefully begin to broaden their perceptions.’’ Colchester mayor Helen Chuah came along to the event and tried her hand at some of the skills on offer.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed trying bricklaying, plumbing and wiring up a circuit to make a light bulb come on.

“I think its important girls try these things out.

“There are a couple of courses I would like to do.

“More women should get into technology.”

The following day, boys were invited to take part as well.

Skills being demonstrated included construction, electrical installations, plumbing, woodworking, surveying, painting and decorating, engineering, music and performing arts and computing.