Driving change in engineering

Achieving more diversity in engineering is a topic very close to our hearts, actively looking for ways to encourage more young women to see their future in engineering. We believe this starts with grassroots education and raising the profile of STEM subjects, so when we were approached to sponsor an all-female school F1 team as part of a programme to boost STEM pathways, we immediately accepted.

The program aims to accelerate interest in engineering careers among the next generation, and participating students must design, test and race miniature F1-style cars. Called STEM Racing, the programme is endorsed by F1 and sets students on the fast-track to STEM success – with a lot of fun along the way!

“As a Civil & Structural Design Engineering business, we’re already feeling the shortage of available engineering talent and it’s our responsibility to change the narrative. Engineering roles demand innovation, curiosity and strong technical foundations, none of which need to be age, race, gender or experience specific – yet we see a significant lack of women in the industry. This is why it is so important to us to support Drift Racing, Cheltenham College’s all-female F1 team for the STEM Racing programme,” said Tom Garrod, DSA Associate.

Beyond engineering, the students will also be challenged to learn and apply principles of physics, aerodynamics, design, analytics marketing and teamwork to create their model F1 car. Teams compete locally and nationally on a global scale, with the competition culminating in a World Final – the ultimate goal for Drift Racing.

“We are extremely grateful to DSA for sponsoring our team. Whist the programme provides all fundamental tools and information, this sponsorship helps us fund additional materials, manufacturing, branded uniforms and travel expenses, giving us the competitive edge we need to win,’ said Geogia Durham, Drift Racing Team, Cheltenham Ladies College.

Industry data shows that women remain underrepresented in engineering roles and the most common reason reported is the lack of female role models and early exposure to technical disciplines. Here at DSA, we are proud of our brilliant female engineers, who as inspiring role models will be getting involved in our F1 sponsorship activities.

“We have to spread the word that engineering isn’t just equations and hard hats,” continues Tom from DSA, “It’s about creativity, collaboration and solutions that can change the world, and Drift Racing embodies this spirit. We wish the team every success and hope that our partnership will encourage other engineering businesses to get involved in school-based STEM activities, particularly those aimed at supporting young women.”