Girls into Electronics is a unique opportunity for female students – in years 10, 11 and 12 – to explore Electronics. At the heart of the programme is a series of one-day events, during the summer term, hosted by the UKESF’s partner universities. During the day, participating students find out more about Electronics and studying the subject at university level, hear from female graduate engineers working in the Electronics sector and get ‘hands on’ with Arduino microcontrollers.
Making advances in Electronics and semiconductors is critical to providing technological solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing society, including climate change, improving healthcare and better connectivity and communications. To ensure the Electronics and semiconductors sectors continue to thrive in the UK there needs to be more capable Electronics Engineers – from diverse backgrounds – entering the industry. Through the Girls into Electronics programme – and other initiatives – the UKESF is engaging, inspiring and supporting future female Electronics Engineers.
Girls into Electronics 2024
The UKESF Girls into Electronics 2024 programme – supported by Apple – inspired nearly 400 young women (aged 14 – 17) to get into electronics. The Girls into Electronics events, hosted by 12 UKESF partner universities, were attended by 375 students and 45 teachers from over 100 schools & colleges.
Since 2022, over 1000 female students have taken part in the programme.
Find out more about UKESF Girls into Electronics 2024 here
The Event
During the day, participants will experience a sample lecture from a senior academic, input from current students, a department tour, a Q&A, and an introduction to microcontrollers. This introduction will be a ‘hands on’ practical session using the Grove Beginners’ Kit, including Arduino, which participants are provided with and is theirs to keep (find out more about the kit on our Insight into Electronics page). As well as the event, there will be the opportunity to gain further insight through follow-on activities, including online sessions to guide participants through further practical activities with the microcontrollers.
Lunch will be provided for students and accompanying teachers.
“The event was fun, insightful and Electronics Engineering is now definitely an option
when considering career opportunities.”Girls into Electronics participant 2024
Background to the UKESF Girls into Electronics programme
2023 – 15 Girls into Electronics events, supported by Apple and hosted by our partner universities throughout the UK. Attended by 465 girls between the ages of 14-17. Read more in the GiE 2023 report here
2022 – 10 Girls into Electronics events, supported by CSA Catapult and hosted by our partner universities throughout the UK. Attended by 230 girls between the ages of 14-17. Read more in the GiE 2022 report here
2019 – the UKESF supported the first Girls into Electronics three-day residential course for female students aged 15–17, as part of The Smallpeice Trust’s range of inspiring STEM events for young people – read about it here.
