How This Engineer-Turned-Teacher Is Shattering Barriers for Girls in STEM

Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Engineers

An engineer-turned-teacher is on a mission to encourage more girls to consider careers in engineering. Louise Shepherdson, who now teaches electrical and electronic engineering at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), is leveraging her three decades of industry experience to close the gender gap in STEM fields.

Aligning with National STEM Day

To coincide with National STEM Day on November 8, Shepherdson aims to inspire more young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her transition from industry professional to educator represents a powerful model of giving back to the next generation.

The Stark Reality of Gender Disparity

Recent statistics from Engineering UK reveal that only 15.7% of engineering and technology roles in the UK are held by women. The Society of Women Engineers reports that women constitute just 19.8% of undergraduate engineering and technology students, representing only 35% of the student population in core STEM subjects nationwide.

From Industry to Classroom: A Transformative Journey

Shepherdson brings real-world expertise to her students, having spent 30 years working on critical infrastructure projects. Her previous role involved installing and programming traffic systems, intercoms, and card-payment terminals across the country, giving her firsthand experience with the complex systems that power modern society.

The Power of Representation and Mentorship

"After 30 years in engineering, I know how important it is for learners to have a teacher who understands the industry and knows first-hand what it means to navigate those first steps into the industry," Shepherdson explains. "I draw on my own hands-on experience to bring lessons to life, relate theory to the real world, and help students see that their potential in engineering is limitless."

Creating Breakthrough Moments

She recalls a pivotal teaching moment: "When I first started teaching, a student told me they'd understood more in my lesson than they had all year; that moment showed me how much representation and encouragement matters."

Turning Challenges into Lessons

"Every challenge I've faced in engineering has become a lesson I now share, helping students see that their voices and ideas belong in STEM," she emphasizes. "Mentoring the next generation of women in engineering is the most rewarding part of my role."

A Call to Action for National STEM Day

Shepherdson sees National STEM Day as an opportunity to "celebrate the impact of female role models and encourage more women to share their expertise. Your journey can be the spark that helps others thrive in their future STEM careers."

Building Confidence Through Real-World Experience

Her approach focuses on helping young women feel confident entering STEM careers by demonstrating how classroom learning translates to practical applications in the field. This bridge between academic theory and industry practice proves invaluable for students preparing to enter the profession.