The event also supported the 2018 Year of Engineering by highlighting the key role that inspiring the next generation of engineers can play in tackling the UK’s engineering skills shortage.

During the evening, the girls had the chance to visit the Customer Innovation Centre and see a wide range of 3M products in action. They were also given rare access to the 3M laboratories which house state-of-the art equipment.

The guest speaker at the event was Niri Arambepola, a structural engineer from WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff and a 2017 WeAreTheCity Rising Star winner in the 3M-sponsored Science and Engineering category.

Niri is a fantastic role model for girls in engineering and explained how winning a Rising Star award has increased her confidence at work and helped her secure her dream job working on the concept design for High Speed 2, Euston.

During her talk, Niri busted five misconceptions about engineering.

• The maths you learn at school has no application in real life: she uses maths and science in her role every day

• Engineering is just about numbers: there is much more to engineering than calculations; it’s a varied job, about teamwork and ultimately seeing your design come to life

• Architects have all the fun: while architects decide what buildings look like, engineering is still a very creative profession

• Engineering is dirty: some people imagine engineers, particularly those working in construction on site, covered in mud. In fact, the majority of structural engineers work in nice clean offices

• Engineering is for boys: it isn’t, of course, with increasing numbers of women succeeding in engineering

As well as the chance to meet Niri, the visitors were introduced to female scientists and engineers from 3M who gave 10-minute career talks throughout the evening.

Another highlight was a Careers Speed Networking session hosted by 3Mers working in various roles to give the girls an insight into the different career options available.

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