Theresa Crossley, IMRF CEO took part in a STEM (science technology, engineering and mathematics) roadshow at the end of September 2021.

Organised by the 1851 Trust and held at Trinity House in London, 75 students from London schools took part in the first STEM Crew Maritime Roadshow of 2021, supported by the Department for Transport, Trinity House, Lloyds Register Foundation, UK P&I Club and The Great Britain Sail GP Team and the IMRF.

The 1851 Trust is an innovative education charity, which harnesses the power of elite sport to challenge perceptions and to excite more young people about the opportunities in STEM. 

The Roadshow event offered the students the opportunity to connect with apprentices, graduates and women in leading roles within the maritime sector. 

Theresa talked about the many opportunities for women in maritime SAR, both as a volunteer and for those considering a professional career.

She highlighted the range of international organisations and varied roles open to anyone interested in getting involved in this important sector. 

She explained how STEM subjects were relevant to these opportunities and used daily in practical ways, encouraging the students to check out the resources on the IMRF website for more information, particularly the IMRF podcasts showcasing women in SAR using STEM subjects in their careers.

Theresa Crossley said: “This was a valuable opportunity to highlight maritime SAR to students who might never consider the sector as an option. And to show that while STEM subjects at school might seem a bit dull at times, their practical applications in real life situations are anything but. Every event like this helps to break down the barriers, to encourage girls to believe that they really can do whatever they want to. Whatever their skillset and personality, they can make a real and valuable contribution and build successful careers in maritime SAR.”

The 1851 Trust Roadshow offered the students the opportunity to explore STEM subjects in a sporting and maritime context, helping them to make informed choices about their future education and career paths, while increasing participation, contribution and confidence in STEM subjects back in the classroom.

Looking ahead, there is an expected shortage of skilled STEM workers in the UK, in addition, women are significantly under-represented in technical and engineering careers, and within schools the gender divide is clearly reflected through pupil’s subject choices.

The WISE campaign has reported that women make up just 24% of the STEM workforce, furthermore, the Maritime Skills Alliance state that women make up just 16% of serving seafarers in the UK.

Click here to find out more about the IMRF’s #WomeninSAR STEM Resources. 

Find out more about the 1851 Trust here.