Champion invited to number 10
Elite Engineering Programme Champion, Emma Shires was last week invited to number 10 Downing Street to share her experience of engineering. Emma Shires (24) from Huddersfield, was invited to speak to other young people in her role as Champion of the Elite Engineering Programme which aims to encourage young disadvantaged people to consider careers in engineering.
The students were given a private tour of number 10 before being let loose on policy officials and industry specialists. Elite Engineering Programme Manager Kate Bellingham explains why Emma’s attendance was so significant; “It’s important for young people to have role models they can relate to. Having recently studied engineering and embraced her role as Champion of the Elite Engineering Programme, Emma’s a great example of young British engineering talent.”
Speaking after her visit, Emma said; “I became a Champion of the Elite Engineering Programme because I hoped to inspire other young people like me, from very normal backgrounds. Being asked to speak at number 10 was a great honour; I’m delighted I was given this opportunity to share my experiences with other young people”
Emma studied Aerospace Engineering to Masters Level at the University of Liverpool. After graduating in June 2012 she went on to become a Sports Engineer at the International Tennis Federation. She became a Champion of the Elite Engineering Programme in January to help raise the profile of engineering as a career option for other young people.
The Elite Engineering Programme aims to boost the number of talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who consider pursuing careers in engineering. The initiative aims to reignite the UK’s status as a world leader in engineering. The programme was launched to businesses at the end of January in conjunction with LEGO® Education UK & Ireland, and programme manager Kate Bellingham in partnership with the principal funder, the Helsington Foundation, and the Royal Academy of Engineering. It will be launched to schools later on this year.
The Elite Engineering Programme will reach out to young people in state schools from the age of 12 by establishing the profession as a credible career path from school right through to university and even into internships. It is the first engineering educational programme to take young people on that journey.