Data published in 2019 by the Department of Education highlighted that school girls in England are substantially less likely to consider taking STEM subjects at A Level in comparison to boys. Despite this both genders named STEM subjects as leading to the highest paid jobs.
Lincoln UTC plays a fundamental role in encouraging girls in the local area to challenge this stereotype by providing the opportunity for 14-18 year olds to study a specialist curriculum based around science, technology, engineering and maths.
In 2019 there was a 50% increase in the number of girls that joined the UTC to study as part of its Ofsted ‘outstanding’ sixth form. Year 13 leavers were also very successful in securing the next steps of their career, as 100% of the female engineers progressed into advanced apprenticeships at prestigious firms including Siemens and Wefco.
Overall 31% of the current UTC student population is female. This figure has been rising year on year and the college are predicted to accept their largest intake of girls yet in September 2020.
UTC student Kelsie Crowder said: “I know where I want to go in life and every career I’ve ever considered has been based in science which is why I decided to study at the UTC. The college environment is completely inclusive and that’s why I love studying here.
At the minute I want to become a Doctor, but in the past I’ve thought about becoming an Astronomer, a Forensic Scientist, even going into space as an Astronaut.
I think that there is still a lot of stereotyping in society
relating to the type of person that can pursue a STEM career and I completely
disagree with it. I’m proud to be challenging the traditional narrative with my
career path and I hope that more girls will continue to do the same.”