FEMALE secondary pupils were urged to think of career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at a special event.

City of Glasgow College’s Women into Engineering Day saw industry figures from across Europe help inspire more than a hundred school pupils to pursue studies and careers in engineering.

College bosses held a full day of activity that included interactive, hands-on experiences within the state-of-the-art engineering facilities at the college’s Riverside Campus.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive of City of Glasgow College, said: “Women Into Engineering Day underlines City of Glasgow College’s status as a national STEM centre of excellence.

"Indeed, our college was recently awarded a contract, in partnership with Equate Scotland, to further promote gender equality in the engineering sector.

"Our pioneering Women Into Engineering course has also been applauded by industry and is proving very popular with a significant increase in enrolments, work placements and public awareness of the gender imbalance in each sector.”

Naziyah Mahood, a scientist at the European Space Agency, spoke at the event alongside former Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering Dr Peter Hughes to deliver presentations to 125 pupils from Glasgow secondary schools as part of the event.

Other keynote speakers included Talat Yaqoob of Equate Scotland and Susie Mitchell of Glasgow City of Science.

City of Glasgow College’s Women Into Engineering Day enjoyed great success in its first year attracting more than 70 female school pupils a year ago.

Organisers are keen to build on the popularity of the event.

Carol Murray, faculty director of building, engineering, and energy at City of Glasgow College, said: “Last year, we ran this event for the first time with a target of attracting 25 female pupils, and we ended up with 72.

“As it was such a great success and we could see there was real appetite from the girls taking part, we decided to make it an annual fixture.

"This year we are delighted to have 125 signed up which is much higher than we expected.

“Our ultimate aim is to inspire school pupils to choose to study STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”