News
Dartmouth girls encouraged to consider careers in marine engineering
16th July 2024
A group of Year 10 girls from Dartmouth Academy had an exciting day out at the South Devon College Marine Academy at Noss Marina this term.
The trip was organised by South Devon College to give the pupils a chance to learn about maritime engineering. The pupils enthusiastically participated in a range of activities centred around encouraging girls to consider a career in marine engineering.
South Devon College (SDC) Marine Academy is based at Premier Marina’s new £75 million development of Noss-on-Dart Marina on the banks of the River Dart. The academy is an approved training centre for The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), full members of British Marine and The Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), and an accredited centre for City & Guilds, EAL Awards, and the University of Plymouth.
SDC works in partnership with Princess Yachts to deliver a range of apprenticeship opportunities. The partnership has also provided a dedicated workshop that houses one of Princess’ V40 hulls, allowing students to learn in the classroom using real-world products, techniques, and application of theory.
Although science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) professions are widely regarded as central to the economy, gender equality in those industries is yet to be achieved. There is a wide gap between girls and boys that study STEM subjects beyond GCSE (35% of girls and 80% of boys). When it comes to university, just 25% of graduates in STEM subjects are women.
Dartmouth Academy recognises the crucial role it has to play in preparing pupils for transitions for their next stage of education, training or employment. Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) are an important and integral part of all pupils’ entitlement and learning at the Academy to aid their personal development.
Through a planned careers education programme, they are committed to providing the appropriate activities and experiences to enable pupils to make well-informed decisions and successful transitions in life and work.
