This International Women’s Day, Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) is highlighting the important role women play in STEM – Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers – and celebrating a significant growth in women choosing traditionally male-dominated subjects.
Across Wales and the UK, women remain underrepresented in STEM related industries. However, in recent years, CAVC has seen a surge in the number of female learners enrolling on STEM-related courses, with subject areas such as Aerospace Engineering and Plumbing among those seeing the largest rise.
Sharon James-Evans, Principal of Cardiff and Vale College, said:
“At CAVC, we are acutely aware of the gap that remains between the number of male and female learners that study STEM subjects beyond GCSE. It is pleasing to see that we are making strides in attracting more women to subjects stereotypically chosen by men, and even more so to see that women are going on to enter the workforce and make a significant impact in their industry.”
Since 2020, Aerospace Engineering courses have seen a 325% increase in the number of women opting to develop their skills in the industry, and they’re not just participating, they are excelling.
Annabel Leger is a great example of this, having started at CAVC on the BTEC Level 3 Aeronautical Course offered at the College’s renowned International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT) at Cardiff Airport. Completing her course with a Distinction Merit grade Annabel then progressed on to the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering degree.
Annabel delivered a highly innovative final year dissertation on the potential of using an ultraviolet light beam as a means of sterilising aircraft washroom facilities and graduated with First Class honours. She is now studying for a Master’s in Air-Transport Economics at Cranfield University.
IT-related subjects at the College have seen a 107% jump in the number of women studying, many of whom then go on to progress to higher level courses and into the workforce.
Ellie Mitchell started at CAVC on a Level 3 Computing course and progressed on to the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security. She continued to develop increasingly advanced technological skills and graduated with First Class honours. Ellie now works for a prestigious Cyber Security firm in Cardiff.
“I decided to study for my BSc after completing a BTEC at the College,” Ellie said. “I spoke with my tutors, who were really supportive. I learnt a lot and had the chance to participate in a WorldSkills event, competing with other students from colleges and universities from across the world!
“If you are considering studying at Cardiff and Vale College, I would say go for it! I have had fantastic support throughout. The experience that I've had at the College has been absolutely amazing, and the people that I've met have been incredible.”
CAVC proactively encourages young women to consider STEM subjects, holding events and competitions throughout the year that provide opportunities to get hands on experience, including a hugely popular Schools Aero Challenge that attracts and inspires some of the brightest and best young school pupils from across the region.
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans continues, “We are extremely passionate about removing any barriers to education here at CAVC, ensuring that we provide our young people with limitless opportunities to progress into any career, regardless of their gender. We will continue to champion the young women who are role models to our young people, by showing them what is possible and what they too can achieve.”