What challenge did you face, and how was this identified?
Victrex identified a significant challenge: the number of female applicants for engineering apprenticeships was disproportionately low compared to male applicants. This underrepresentation of women in engineering roles was a concern, especially considering the company’s broader diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals of fostering diversity in STEM and leadership positions. This challenge became evident through internal analysis of apprenticeship applications and sparked discussions on how to address the issue.
In collaboration a small group of colleagues recognized that providing tailored, hands-on experiences could spark interest among young women who may not have considered engineering as a viable career option. By partnering with Fleetwood High School, located in one of the most deprived towns in the UK, only minutes from our headquarters site, to identify female students interested in STEM subjects, offering them the opportunity to explore engineering as a potential career path.
What actions did you take to address this challenge?
We designed a work experience pilot aimed specifically at engaging and inspiring young women to consider engineering careers. This initiative was built on a collaboration with Fleetwood High School, targeting a small group of girls who had an interest in STEM but had not yet considered engineering.
Over the course of a week, the students participated in a comprehensive and dynamic program at Victrex. They were exposed to hands-on activities and shadowed professionals across several engineering disciplines, including Electrical, Mechanical, Reliability, Instrumentation, Projects, DCS, Process, and Process Safety. Each day offered new challenges and learning opportunities, and the program concluded with a VR hazard perception session and a career highlight talk from area management.
The program required careful preparation and execution, totaling 30–40 hours of development and delivery. While there were no female engineers involved in this year’s program due to unforeseen circumstances, the male engineers actively participated, demonstrating their understanding of the program’s importance.
What were the outcomes of the actions you took?
The outcomes of the pilot program were significant:
– Two thirds of participants expressed a newfound interest in pursuing careers in engineering, directly aligning with our aim to increase female representation in STEM roles at Victrex.
– The success of this pilot has laid the foundation for a sustainable, scalable initiative that will continue to inspire future cohorts of young women to consider engineering.
– An ongoing relationship with Fleetwood High School ensures a pipeline for future participants. This year’s students will even help promote the program to next year’s participants, using their own positive experiences to influence their peers.
– The initiative also addressed Victrex’s DEI objectives, particularly in increasing female participation in direct STEM roles, with a long-term aim of fostering leadership diversity within the company.
Moreover, the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the students—ranging from surprise at how engaging the work was to appreciation for the hands-on activities—demonstrated that we exceeded their expectations. This feedback further solidified the impact of the program.
What are your next steps?
Building on the success of the initial pilot, our next steps include:
– Expanding the work experience program to include a broader range of female students, continuing to focus on STEM engagement.
– Ensuring that female engineers are available to participate in next year’s program, providing real-world role models to inspire participants.
– Refining the program based on feedback, such as informing students in advance about potential challenges
– Involving this year’s participants in the promotion of next year’s program, further strengthening the peer influence factor.
– Continuing to measure the long-term impact of the program on participants’ career decisions, particularly whether they choose to pursue STEM-based A-levels or engineering careers.
This initiative will not only help increase female representation in engineering but also support the overall mission of fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, making a lasting positive impact on both the company and the broader community.