ATLP girls impress in the boardroom – and PPE!
19 July 2024
Students from a trio of Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) schools starred in an inspirational ‘International Women in Engineering Day’ experience with global design group Arcadis.
The event – featuring girls from Sutton Coldfield’s John Willmott and Arthur Terry schools and Nether Stowe School in Lichfield – commenced with a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) challenge at Arcadis’ Colmore Row offices in Birmingham.
This was followed by a networking lunch with current female engineering apprentices, graduates and long-established partners at the state-of-the-art 16th floor Colmore Row office.
During the afternoon, the Year 10 girls – specifically selected for their passion for STEM subjects – donned high-visibility PPE to undertake a site visit to the £66m restoration of the A38 Tame Valley Viaduct.
Originally constructed in the 1960s, the viaduct carries around 90,000 vehicles per day and is currently undergoing re-strengthening including additional steel plates, welding, bolting, painting and more.
The students interacted with on-site female engineers from both project manager Arcadis and principal constructors VolkerFitzpatrick.
John Willmott student Lailah Drysdale said: “It has been truly inspirational to meet women of all ages, as leaders in engineering both in the boardroom and on major infrastructure build sites!”
Nether Stowe’s Phoebe Paddock added: “Viewing the city from the 16th floor made me realise that this could be for me too!”
Arthur Terry’s Maya Bellingham concluded: “Today has shown me there are roles for women throughout engineering. Perhaps one day, we will all simply be known as engineers, rather than ‘women in engineering’?”
Alex Zarifeh, ATLP Trust Lead, Personal Development, Careers, said: “Our thanks to Arcadis’ Associate Director of Social Values, Shazad Ahmad, for organising such an incredible experience for our girls!”
Main picture: The students were inspired by all aspects of their experience.
