Worcestershire businesses asked to support April’s Women in STEM Week

The themed week, launched by Worcestershire County Council, will run from Monday 20 April to Friday 24 April and aims to celebrate local women that are driving innovation across science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries while also inspiring the next generation of talent.

Despite the important role STEM sectors play in the county’s economy, women remain underrepresented across many of these industries. Women in STEM Week will shine a spotlight on the women already making a difference in these fields while encouraging more young people to consider STEM careers in the future.

Worcestershire County Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Skills and Business, said, "Women across Worcestershire are making a real impact in science, technology, engineering and maths, and we should be seeing even more coming through. Women in STEM Week is about recognising their achievements, past and present. We have our own proud history in this field - Joan Curran was among the scientists working at Malvern to develop technology used to confuse enemy radar during the Second World War, Jessy Blackburn from Cradley was an aviation pioneer, one of the first women to fly a British monoplane. Those achievements should inspire a future generation of women in STEM across our county and encourage more women and girls to step forward and take up the opportunities these sectors offer."

Women in STEM Week is delivered by Careers Worcestershire, part of the County Council’s Skills and Employability service.

Judy Gibbs, Head of Skills and Employability at Worcestershire County Council, said, "As part of Women in STEM Week, I’m calling on businesses across Worcestershire to get involved and share the stories and successes of women working in their organisations. Role models shape the future, and when girls and young women see people like them succeeding it changes what they believe is possible. Women in STEM Week is about celebrating the brilliant women already working in these industries across our county and showing the next generation that these careers are open to them. By championing role models today, we can help inspire the innovators, engineers and scientists who will shape Worcestershire’s future."

Women in STEM Week Worcestershire will take place from Monday 20 to Friday 24 April. Employers interested in taking part can find more information and resources by visiting the dedicated website pages.