Dartmouth girls encouraged to consider careers in marine engineering

A group of Year 10 girls from Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, 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. 

 Nic Perrott Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:

“I want to say a big thank you to the South Devon College team for being so welcoming and organising such an informative and aspirational day.”

Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy said:

“I am so pleased this group of Year 10 girls got to take part in such an interesting and informative visit to the SDC Maritime Centre.  I understand that they really enjoyed the day and that it gave them a lot to think about regarding their career paths.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“At Education South West, we are always keen to work with other local education providers for the benefit of children, so I am delighted that these Dartmouth pupils were able to take part in this trip organised by South Devon College. 

“It’s never too early to start thinking about what you might want to do when you leave school and showing pupils some of the great jobs on offer in Devon can only be beneficial.”