RNLI hosts Women in Engineering event to inspire young future talent

On Thursday 23 June, the RNLI reintroduced its face-to-face event for 11 to 13-year-olds to learn more about the incredible world of engineering. Hosted at the charity’s College in Poole, the annual event aimed to inspire young women and girls from Bournemouth and Poole to consider careers in engineering.

The fun-filled day consisted of pupils gaining insight into our leading engineering facilities at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC). The ALC brings every stage of the lifeboat building process in-house and under one roof. It gives us greater control of costs and quality, and creates employment in marine engineering and boatbuilding.

As well as this, pupils participated in hands-on demonstrations of impact testing on lifeboat materials, learning 3D printing, and using lollipop sticks and clothes pegs to successfully build bridges.

Jamie Chestnutt, RNLI Director for Engineering and Supply said: ‘It was a great day. Every pupil was really engaged in the different events and activities, and hopefully they have been inspired to consider a career in engineering in the future.

‘The role of engineering at the RNLI is vital – ensuring our crews have the lifeboats and equipment they need to not only stand the test of some of the most challenging weather conditions of the UK and Ireland’s coastline, every bit of kit must keep our crew safe and be fit for generations to come.’

Pupils got the opportunity to meet female engineers including this year’s guest speaker, Emma Miles, The Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander. Emma shared her career journey in marine engineering, and her experience in representing the Royal Navy as a STEM Ambassador.

Working in partnership with The Women’s Engineering Society, the RNLI support and inspire women to achieve as engineers. We encourage the education of engineering, and aim to grow the interest and excitement of young girls in the field of STEM. The RNLI charity is committed to building an inclusive and next generation ready culture.

To find out more, take a look at the Women in Engineering webpage on the RNLI website.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• In 2020 and 2021, the RNLI’s International Women in Engineering Day activities went online due to Covid-19 restrictions.

• Schools involved in this year’s event were: Blandford School, The Bourne Academy, The Grange School, Lytchett Minter, Poole High, Purbeck School, St Peters and Twynham School.

• The Women’s Engineering Society is a charity and a professional network of women engineers, scientists and technologists offering inspiration, support and professional development. Visit https://www.inwed.org.uk/ to find out more.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Chloe Barr, RNLI National Media Engagement Placement, on 07790772788 or [email protected] or contact the National Press Office on 01202 336789.

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.