Torness Power Station welcomes female school pupils.

25th November, by Cameron Ritchie, https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/25636675.torness-power-station-welcomes-female-school-pupils/

MORE than 60 female pupils from East Lothian’s secondary schools have been given a unique insight into the world of engineering.

The youngsters were given a tour of Torness Power Station while also enjoying a series of interactive workshops designed to showcase the variety of careers available in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Students from nearby Dunbar Grammar School were joined by counterparts from Wallyford’s Rosehill High School; Musselburgh Grammar School; Ross High School, Tranent; Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans; Knox Academy, Haddington; and North Berwick High School.

The day was opened by Kiran Basra-Steele, EDF’s safety and assurance director, and Samaneh Nouraei, an inspector with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), who shared their career journeys and experiences of working in STEM industries.

Kiran said: “The number of women working in STEM is increasing, but we still face a significant skills gap.

“We need to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn about the careers available and feels empowered to pursue them.

“My hope is that one day we won’t need to run female-focused STEM days because the gender balance will have been achieved.

“There are huge opportunities within the existing nuclear fleet and exciting prospects ahead with new nuclear developments in the UK.”

During the visit, the pupils carried out activities, including dismantling flanges to test their ability to follow work instructions and building droids using mobile phones and circuits.

They also heard first-hand from female apprentices, technicians and engineers currently working at the station.

The event forms part of the nuclear power station’s ongoing efforts to encourage more women to apply for its apprenticeship programme.

The four-year scheme begins with two years at the National College for Nuclear in Somerset, where apprentices learn core engineering skills before specialising in their chosen trade.

The programme also includes opportunities to travel within the UK and abroad as part of its ‘life skills’ element, before returning to Torness for the final two years of training.

According to Equate Scotland, the national expert in equality, diversity and inclusion in the STEM sector, it is estimated that only 25 per cent of the STEM sector are women.

Paul Forrest, station director, said: “This is the second year we’ve run the event, and it’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm from everyone involved.

“We hope we’ve given these students something to think about when considering their future career choices.”

Applications will be open for EDF’s apprenticeship programme from January 26 to February 20 next year, with an open day being held in Dunbar’s Harbour Chapel on January 30.