It looks at all aspects of an engineering project including planning, budgeting, and managing risk, and culminates with teams presenting to a judging panel. It was designed to show how many different roles are available within the technology and engineering sectors, as well as influence underprivileged and working-class schoolgirls to break the status quo and consider alternative careers.

Why do we support our Year 9 girls to work with Amey and the Challenge Cup?

Only 23% of the STEM workforce in the UK is female. As a major engineering company, Amey is very keen to improve gender diversity in the industry.

It is at age 14-16 that children start losing interest in engineering careers, so we want to get there in time to inspire the next generation of engineers. While girls continue to study STEM subjects at school just as much as boys (representing 48% of the total STEM entries at GCSE nationally), there is an ongoing imbalance when it comes to undergraduate degrees and jobs in STEM industries. Only 16% of engineering and technology undergraduates are female and the UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe - around 11%.

Lowton in action at the 2025 Event!

This year a team of five Year 9 future GCSE Design Technology pupils visited the Amey office in Manchester.  The girls took part in activities including bridge design, smart motorways and were asked to present their Engineering Design ideas on the day.

Well done to our team of girls for taking part!

For more information and to support your child into a career in this sector, visit:

https://www.inwed.org.uk/

https://www.amey.co.uk/