Engineering the Future for Girls
West Fraser actively promotes engineering as a career path, and this International Women in Engineering Day, team members in Scotland seized the opportunity to share their experiences in the field and highlight the diverse career paths available, including those at West Fraser.
Through our partnership with the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, we work to inspire the next generation of Scottish female engineers. This included sponsoring the university’s week-long, on-campus Engineering the Future for Girls program, which is designed to encourage young women to pursue a career in STEM and help close the engineering profession’s gender gap.
The University of Strathclyde is hugely grateful for West Fraser’s continued engagement and dedication to working with us to increase parity in access to engineering.
Hannah Johnston, Head of Philanthropy, University of Strathclyde
Each year, the university selects 100 girls in third year – equivalent to North America’s eighth grade – from high schools across Scotland to attend the Engineering the Future for Girls program. Participants spend the week at the University meeting representatives from various businesses, learning more about different engineering streams and completing a range of engineering challenges.
Nicole Ralston, Quality Team Leader and Deborah Ayebare, IT Project Intern, spent a day at the program to represent West Fraser; provide real-life insights into their experiences as female engineers and their personal career paths; educate the girls about the various paths a career in STEM can provide; and share exciting examples of engineering projects at West Fraser. Nicole and Deborah then stayed throughout the day to assist the university with program activities and work with the participants.
These programs are so important, as they show the girls the world of opportunities a career in STEM can offer, and I am proud to share the opportunities that West Fraser can provide.
Nicole Ralston, Quality Team Leader
Deborah adds, “Programs like Engineering the Future for Girls are important and show young girls the range of opportunities available to them so that they are confident and encouraged to pursue STEM across their education and career.”
The University of Strathclyde has the largest engineering faculty in Scotland. The faculty is comprised of eight departments and is home to over 6,000 students from 100+ countries. The faculty is a key supplier of engineering graduates for our Scottish operations.
