Case Study: Occupational Segregation - United Utilities and Scottish Power

In 2003 United Utilities and Scottish Power joined forces and worked with schools and colleges to persuade more young people to take up careers as engineers in the electricity industry. Their aim was to build on existing programmes wherever possible.

Engineering partnerships were set up in ten areas across the northwest of England, each centred on a "hub" school These included high schools and primary schools, further education colleges and universities as well as local education and business support organisations. Each consortium was able to develop their own individual programmes, reflecting their local needs. The two companies provided access to engineers and funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency supported in-school programmes.

Particular areas of focus include:

• Upskilling teachers. An all female education team provide training days at 4 education centres to support the science curriculum High schools also release their staff to upskill their primary colleagues.
. An all female education team provide training days at 4 education centres to support the science curriculum High schools also release their staff to upskill their primary colleagues.
• After school science, engineering and robotic clubs give students hands-on experience of working with real engineers in a fun environment. Female engineers are used whenever possible to help dispel stereotypes and provide positive role models.
give students hands-on experience of working with real engineers in a fun environment. Female engineers are used whenever possible to help dispel stereotypes and provide positive role models.
• Work based learning. Both companies provide engineering taster days at their craft training centres.
. Both companies provide engineering taster days at their craft training centres.
• Young Apprentice scheme for 14-16 year olds
for 14-16 year olds
• Bright Sparks programme provides a one day practical experience course for primary school children.
programme provides a one day practical experience course for primary school children.

Working in partnership with SETPOINTS on two projects to encourage Bangladeshi and Pakistani girls to become involved in science and technology.

In United Utilities 53% of Science and Engineering graduates are female, compared with 57% in the general management scheme.

To date over 800 teachers and 27,000 students have benefitted from the programme. Teachers have been upskilled to deliver maths and science in a more confident and interesting way. The schools involved have improved levels of achievement in key stage assessments and at GCSE level in maths and sciences. More students are opting to study engineering or applying for engineering apprenticeships which are often over-subscribed. In addition, participation in the schemes has provided professional development for the engineers involved, as well as developing good role models.