Rolls-Royce welcomed secondary school pupils to inspire them to build careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) as part of a Skills Development Scotland (SDS) project.

Pupils from Calderside Academy and Cathkin High School in South Lanarkshire visited the Rolls-Royce facility in Inchinnan, Renfrew to get hands-on industry experience.

The visits are aimed at encouraging female pupils to widen their career options and to consider Modern Apprenticeships.

The series of ‘Why Not Get Into...’ activity aims to get more young women to consider careers in STEM related roles.

Figures show an inequality of uptake of STEM subjects by young women in Modern Apprenticeships, higher and further education.

When girls do take on a STEM subject, 73 per cent do not go on to a STEM occupation. Only 13 per cent of all STEM jobs in the UK are taken on by women.

SDS is working with industry partners to better understand the barriers women face in order to work with partners to address gender imbalances in key sectors.

SDS Head of National Training Programmes Development, Karen Murray, said: “SDS is committed to working with partners and employers to improve equality and diversity in Modern Apprenticeships.

“It’s important to ensure everyone has the same access to opportunities no matter their background.

“The activities and role model talks within the event are about encouraging more women to consider a career in engineering and ultimately, improving access to Modern Apprenticeships.”

Chief of MRO Engineering Systems Ian McGill from Rolls-Royce said: “We recognise that talented engineers are the key to our future. We actively work with schools and universities to increase interest and encourage diversity amongst those taking STEM subjects

“It was a real pleasure to host the pupils today and demonstrate the exciting careers on offer in engineering. We hope that by supporting the Why Not Get Into activity, we will continue to encourage young women to consider a career in engineering.”

Aeronautics firm GE Aviation in Prestwick and motor industry training provider LAGTA in Motherwell also opened their doors to provide taster-sessions and role model talks.

Pupils also got the chance to build rockets and create a computer game at City of Glasgow College’s engineering department.

SDS previously delivered construction work taster activities for female pupils in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire and also the ‘Girls into Digital World’ event in Edinburgh.