An exclusive hands-on science and engineering event aimed at secondary school students and their families is being staged by Brunel’s SS Great Britain next Tuesday.
Called Explore Engineering, the free drop-in event is open to all, but is particularly aimed at providing a space for secondary school girls to learn about the wide range of career opportunities available in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). 
It will provide a chance to meet inspiring scientists and engineers, take part in activities and explore some of the diverse career opportunities available in these industries.
Taking place between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at the SS Great Britain on Bristol’s Harbourside, the event is part of the city’s Deeds Not Words programme funded by Bristol Women’s Voice and the Government Equalities office to mark 100 years since the first women were given the vote in the UK.
Partners of the SS Great Britain Trust, including Renishaw, Babcock International Group and Airbus UK, will be taking part – as well as the University of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, Thales Alenia Space UK, Tony Gee and Partners, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Hellion Trace and Pervasive Media.
SS Great Britain Trust director of education, collections and conservation Dr Rachel Roberts said: “In the run-up to International Women in Engineering Day on 23 June, we are celebrating and supporting the role of women in science and engineering as currently less than 10% of professional engineers in Britain are female.
“We hope families will join us for the chance to experience real-life examples of careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.”
Hands-on activities will include a space mission simulator game, an attempt to break the jumping ‘stick stack’ record and a multi-sensory music and sound experience called Kicking the Mic from performer Laura Kriefman of Hellion Trace, pictured.
Based at the Pervasive Media Studio at Bristol’s Watershed arts centre, Hellion Trace specialises in world-class productions that fuse movement and technology together. 
Laura said: “I wish I had met more women in STEM when I was at school. It’s pretty awesome to be able to show that there are extraordinary career paths available for everybody with a passion for the STEM subjects. I’m looking forward to being a mentor and role model encouraging young women to use their skills to invent the world they want to live in.”
Bristol Women’s Voice chair Penny Gane added: “It is important to give young women space to explore their careers and future opportunities. This STEM event will show a range of inspiring futures they can embark on as well as having fun and celebrating International Women in Engineering Day 2018.”
Among those taking part on Tuesday will be chartered mechanical engineer Nicola Grahamslaw, who joined the SS Great Britain Trust as ship’s conservation engineer in February.
She said: “There is huge variety in the opportunities available for science and engineering careers – my role here at the ship is a great example. This special event is one of a few we are running during the government’s Year of Engineering campaign. We have people getting involved from a wide range of organisations and industries, so I’d certainly encourage people to come along and find out more.”
While this event has been funded as part of ongoing work to encourage young women in particular to explore engineering, it is open to all. Siblings are welcome to attend as part of a family group and attendees can drop-in at any time between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
Advance registration is required by visiting www.ssgreatbritain.org/whats-on/explore-engineering
Photo of Laura Kriefman courtesy of Drew Cox
