Preston and South Ribble students are being invited to apply for a virtual work programme that helps people access careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Launched by Siemens during the pandemic, the free programme combines live webinars, videos and activities.

Advertisements

On an earlier intake this year, 1,164 young people logged in between April and July to learn how engineering and technology could build a more sustainable future.

The third round of virtual work experience will run from 26 October to 5 November, offering young people an opportunity to explore and learn about careers at Siemens.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 20 October.

Siemens said moving to online delivery from in-person placements has increased the number of students it can offer work experience to and has increased diversity and inclusion.

The company also said it has helped young people overcome limitations and barriers such as geography, mobility, financial constraints, and inflexibility due to school or employer timings.

For example, while ethnic minorities are broadly underrepresented in STEM fields, 55 per cent of students participating in Siemens’ virtual work experience programme were from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. They also said the programme has contributed to efforts to reduce the gender gap in STEM as 40 per cent of the students were female.

Read more: Preston Black History Group to host a month of entertaining and informative events

Brenda Yearsley, Siemens Education Development Manager, said: “Offering free, accessible work experience for students is vital to increase diversity and inclusion, inspire a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and showcase Siemens as a career path.

“Moving to an online delivery has helped us continue to offer this valuable experience to young people, regardless of geographical location, with some truly remarkable outcomes when it comes to gender and ethnic diversity, something Siemens is passionate about addressing.

“While Siemens’ sites begin to open up their doors again to in-person work experience opportunities, the chance to continue to give more school and college students invaluable practical skills, industry experience and a head start for their careers is increasingly important to the post-pandemic recovery.”

Read more: Hutton school named ‘Best Kept in Lancashire’ at village awards

The two-week programme, delivered on careers platform Springpod, involves around 10 hours of activities, pre-recorded videos, quizzes and live webinars.

Modules include:

• An overview of Siemens, its core values and six lines of business
• An introduction to the field of engineering, the various disciplines, sustainability in engineering and the design process
• An introduction to the world of technology, the different pathways within the sector and what roles in tech involve
• An introduction to the other business services such as sustainability, legal, marketing and finance
• Early careers opportunities at Siemens such as apprenticeship, internship and graduate schemes
• Employability skills, CV building and how to apply for a role

Once complete, students earn a certificate, which can be used for a CV and personal statement.

To apply, visit the Springpod website.

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Would you consider work experience with Siemens? Let us know in the comments below

Advertisements