THE college proudly hosted its first Women into Technology Conference, which gave female students from local schools an insight into the variety of careers offered using engineering, technology, science or maths.

The girls heard about the experiences of inspiring women from Virgin Media, Gillette and Southampton Solent University. They spoke about the variety of jobs available, different ways to get into a career and the skills that women can bring to these roles.

The speakers at the conference were joined on a panel by representatives from AWE and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The expert panel received a number of insightful questions from the pupils which further explored engineering and technology.

Guests also had the opportunity to take part in a number of practical activities, including forensic science, engineering, the built environment, automotive and computer science. These taster sessions allowed the girls to have a go at putting some technical skills into practice in these career areas.

Emma Thomas, a former BCoT student and Warwick University graduate, who is now a senior support engineer at Virgin Media, was the key note speaker at the conference. She was delighted to play her part in encouraging more women to consider careers in technology-based subjects.

She said: “I wanted to give the girls some food for thought and start them thinking about their futures and the options they have.

“This conference has allowed them to see how varied engineering really is whilst starting to break down the barriers that may be stopping them from considering this career path.

“I really enjoy my job and hope I’ve shared that with them.”

Claire Sutton, marketing manager at BCoT, who organised the event, said: “Statistics still show that fewer women are applying to science and technology careers than men.

“We wanted to organise an event that inspired young ladies to consider these options and to hear, first hand, the myths and realities of what it can be like.

“The conference gave the girls a chance to network with women of all ages and at different points in their careers who are successful and passionate about what they do.

“I’m so pleased that all the girls said that they’d learnt from the day and had tried something they had never done before.”