A BRIGHOUSE woman has paid a visit to Downing Street – to promote careers in engineering.
Emma Shires, 24, was invited to speak at Number 10 about her role as Champion of the Elite Engineering Programme, which aims to alert young people to the opportunities in engineering.
She was among students given a private tour of Number 10 before meeting policy officials and industry specialists.
The Elite Engineering Programme aims to boost the number of talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who consider pursuing careers in engineering – and reignite the UK’s status as a world leader in engineering.
The programme was launched to businesses at the end of January by a number of organisations, including the Royal Academy of Engineering.
It will be launched to state schools later this year and reach out to youngsters aged 12 and upwards.
Emma, who attended Bradford Girls Grammar School, studied aerospace engineering to masters level at Liverpool University.
After graduating last June, she became a sports engineer at the International Tennis Federation – working on testing and measuring the technology of tennis equipment.
She was appointed a champion of the Elite Engineering Programme in January to help raise the profile of engineering as a career option for other young people.
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.”
Elite Engineering Programme manager Kate Bellingham said: “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.”
