To encourage female STEM graduates to pursue careers in engineering, mobility and motorsport, McLaren Applied has teamed up with Warwick University, Cranfield University and Females in Motorsport.
As part of the initiative, they will host an event at McLaren Technology Centre on June 24 celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, and offering students a networking opportunity with experienced women already in STEM roles. The event aims to increase awareness of pathways for females to enter into these male-dominated fields.
Five female STEM students will receive a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre, including McLaren Applied’s production facility, a networking lunch and Q&A session with McLaren Applied’s network of women working across a range of STEM-related careers, and up to a year of on-going mentorship support.
Said head of HR at McLaren Applied Lynette Prag, “We’re proud of the culture and opportunities we’re creating at McLaren Applied and are keen to establish ourselves as a female-friendly workplace for the next generation of engineers. This initiative with Warwick, Cranfield and Females in Motorsport is just part of our effort towards creating an industry that is inclusive and equal for all.”
Warwick and Cranfield University have each nominated two promising students and the final participant will be selected through ‘STEM Search’ – an online competition executed by Females in Motorsport.
Research shows there has been a 25.7% increase in women in engineering occupations in the UK since 2016. Yet, there is still much more to be done with women continuing to make up less than 15% of the overall engineering workforce. McLaren Applied is offering support and helping to prepare promising female STEM students to enter the industry by drawing on the knowledge and experience of those who have trodden the path previously.
Women over the age of 18 and currently studying a STEM subject can apply by visiting https://www.femalesinmotorsport.com/ and submitting a 30-60 second video outlining why they enjoy studying their STEM-related subject and how they think they would benefit from the opportunity being offered.
Founder of Females in Motorsport Helena Hicks said, “As a female-run organization, we are huge advocates of increasing female participation within motorsport. Whether that be in car, the pit lane or the boardroom. McLaren Applied’s heritage and our online platform will allow us to reach a wide pool of female talent – we can’t wait to see the entries.”