Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 16 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Science

Question: I, for one, am very grateful for the extensive work that we have done to renew science facilities in schools. However, the reality is that the number of young women who are entering engineering apprenticeships is pitifully low, because we do not have sufficient resources aimed at promoting and taking women into work. What will my right hon. Friend do to address that very low figure and try to improve the number of women going into engineering apprenticeships?

Answer: My hon. Friend has a strong background in this area and has pushed me on numerous occasions on precisely that issue. There is the work that I know that she supported in respect of women in science and engineering, the task of ensuring that there are role models for young people, the introduction of the specialised engineering diploma that I mentioned previously and the task of ensuring that, as we improve information, advice and guidance for young people, we enable, for example, young women to undertake taster courses in areas such as engineering so that they realise that engineering is not only something for them, but needs their talents.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 443 c1585
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Women Engineering Schools Science Curriculum Standards Teachers Secondary education
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk