With women accounting for a mere 23% of individuals employed in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers in South Africa, and only about 7% achieving professional status as engineers, there is much to be done to change the status quo.

Queen Zenani, Design Technologist and National Coordinator of the TechnoGirl Programme at GIBB Engineering, says many young people, especially those from disadvantaged communities, lack exposure to opportunities in STEM fields such as engineering and architecture.

“That’s why, in 2017, GIBB Engineering and its architectural subsidiary, SVA International, partnered with the TechnoGirl Trust, to offer job shadowing opportunities aimed at introducing young minds to real-world STEM careers – exposing them to the type of work that is done in our urban development, architecture, mining, environmental, petrochemical, power, property, transportation and water subsidiaries.”

The business accommodates three intakes of Grades 9, 10 and 11 learners annually during school holidays at its Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal offices. To date, it has provided opportunities for 60 young people, with a view to sparking their interest in roles they may not otherwise have explored. 

With this year’s first job shadowing experience recently concluded, Zenani says the initiative is often the first time the participants gain a full understanding of what engineering is all about. 

“Engineering, for example, is often equated with construction and having to be on building sites, rather than the myriad other opportunities it offers. It is heartening to see the penny drop as learners gain deeper insight into the field. This type of real-world exposure is invaluable – suddenly they have greater insight into, for example, the numerous processes involved in creating the roads they travel on or the dams and reticulation systems they get their water from.

“Exposure to STEM careers is critical because it increases the likelihood of girls considering roles in the sciences. Instead of being at a loss about what to study after completing matric, they now have a more informed view of the possibilities out there, allowing them to choose fields they feel inspired by.

“One girl was so inspired after spending time with one of our environmental scientists that she told us “this if for me, this is what I want to pursue when I leave school”,” she adds.

Participants on the programme are selected by the Department of Education and TechnoGirl Trust according to agreed-upon criteria. “Girls who take part must be from schools that serve disadvantaged communities and they should demonstrate an interest in pursuing STEM careers,” notes Zenani.

At GIBB and SVA International, participants spend part of their time in the office gaining an overview of the different divisions. The rest of the time is spent on-site getting first-hand experience of how engineering translates into practice. 

Zenani was able to take some of the girls back to their own school – the Hector Peterson High School – where GIBB is the civil and structural engineer for the complete rebuild of the facility. “The original school was demolished and a new structure is currently being built in its place. The visit gave the girls first-hand insight into the important role engineering plays in these types of construction projects.” 

The programme includes fun experiments such as building structures from raw materials, presentations to staff on selected topics (from what causes potholes to the disadvantages of social media, etc) and what they have learnt from the programme. This helps them gain other competencies such as research, problem-solving and presentation skills. 

Staff Sithole, CEO of TechnoGirl Trust says the organisation is grateful to GIBB and SVA International for their ongoing participation in the programme and willingness to offer aspiring young minds a glimpse into their professional environment. 

“The girls’ exposure to the fields of engineering and architecture leaves a lasting impression on them and expands their view of the world. This type of collaboration is invaluable for the future of our youth, our economy and our country,” she concludes.