A businesswoman from Darwen is on a mission to bridge the gap between girls and STEM careers.

Charlotte Knowles, co-owner of Elektec, is using her experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry to encourage girls in schools to embrace STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

Striving to make the construction and STEM industry more representative and fair, Charlotte has been providing talks in schools throughout Blackburn with Darwen.

Lancashire Telegraph: (L-R) Charlotte Knowles, MP Jake Berry, and Carl Knowles with ‘When I Grow Up’ (L-R) Charlotte Knowles, MP Jake Berry, and Carl Knowles with ‘When I Grow Up’ (Image: Charlotte Knowles)

Charlotte said: “I have only worked within the Construction sector for four years but the skills shortage and absence of females is extremely prevalent.

“I believe that raising the profile of existing female employees within the industry and making them more visible, is key to encouraging young people into the profession, achieving a gender diverse workforce and helping to change the outdated perceptions that many still have of a male dominated industry.

“Children begin to form ideas about their futures from a very young age, so the education system plays a crucial role in broadening children’s horizons, promoting future career options and raising aspirations. 

“I love speaking within schools and playing a small part in inspiring pupils about the world of work, options that are available to them and highlighting the varied range of job opportunities available within Construction and STEM.

“By portraying these messages to children from a young age, it will hopefully assist in preventing further skill shortages within these industries.”

One of the schools she has visited is Darwen St James C of E Primary School

Headteacher, Laura Peckson, said: “Charlotte from Elektec, came along to our Aim High Day in school, where she inspired many of our pupils and answered a huge variety questions about how to get a job in STEM, what qualifications were needed and about what she did.

"She opened their eyes to new possibilities which is the main purpose of our Aim High Event.”

A class teacher and Science lead at Lower Darwen Primary School also praised Charlotte’s dedication to reducing the gender imbalance in the industry.

Andrea Varey said: “Charlotte provided the children with an informative and inspiring view on careers in science and electronics.

“She inspired and enthused all our students and removed the stigma of certain career pathways being purposeful to one gender.

“We can't wait to work with her closely in the future in promoting a love of science for all."

Elektec, have recently gifted all primary school children in Blackburn with Darwen with copies of a storybook on construction and STEM careers called ‘When I Grow Up’.

The story covers a range of engineering activities and demonstrates to children that without the hard work of those in the construction industry, many other jobs would not be possible.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit Elektec and find out more about this successful business in Darwen.

“I’ve always been a huge supporter of encouraging youngsters to consider careers in construction, technology and engineering, so I was delighted to learn about the ‘When I Grow Up’ book which I am sure will help inspire many children across Blackburn with Darwen – thank you to Elektec for making this happen.”