The year-long course, run by North East Scotland College (NESCol), is designed to encourage more girls to consider careers in the engineering and energy sector and is open to pupils aged 14 to 17.

Hosted by Dawn Ricketts, market development manager for 3M in Aberdeen, the visits for the all-female classes were designed to highlight some of the opportunities that a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) based career can lead to.

Each visit began with an interactive exercise thinking about how science has been improving lives over the years, with the girls challenged to think about obsolete, current and future products. The pupils then saw firsthand some of the innovative products created by 3M that have had a positive impact across many sectors including oil and gas, aerospace and construction.

These included ceramic sand screens, well stimulation solutions, glass bubbles to make materials lighter, 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid that has benefits for the environment and very high bond tapes.

Head of Business and Community Development for NESCol, Duncan Abernethy, said: “Visits to companies are an integral part of this industry sponsored course – supported by Shell UK and the Score Group - which leads to a National 5 qualification. The pupils get to meet and talk to professionals in the field which, in turn, helps them make informed choices about a career in the engineering and energy sector.”

Dawn added: “It’s been a great pleasure welcoming the girls and sharing how science has a pivotal role to play in solving problems in everyday life. 3M is an active supporter of UK government initiatives to encourage more young people to study STEM subjects. The skills shortage in the engineering industry is well documented and we have an important role to play in encouraging youngsters to choose STEM subjects.”

More than 80 young women are currently enrolled on the course and participating schools include Banff; Fife; The Gordon Schools - Huntly; Meldrum; Mintlaw; Peterhead and Turriff.

In a thank you letter to Dawn from The Gordon Schools, the pupils said: “We appreciate the time you gave up to speak to us about your company and products. It was very enjoyable and we found the interactive lessons very engaging. The glass bubbles were fascinating and the VHB tape made us all feel pretty weak.

“The visit opened our eyes to the energy and business world.”

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