Engineering inspiration day for study counsellors 

On Friday 28 September, an inspiration day was organised for study counsellors from secondry and upper secondry schools. The day was arranged by a group of regional companies and the School of Engineering at Jönköping University. The group's ultimate aim is to attract students - in particular girls - to the engineering profession. 

The day took place at Gro36 and was intended to provide study counsellors with an insight into today's engineering profession so that they can inform students - above all girls - about applying for technical education and engineering careers. 

The inspirations day was part of a campaign led by a group of regional companies and the School of Engineering to disseminate information about the modern engineering profession and to increase the number of women who train and work in this sector. This is important as there is a growing demand for female engineers and a greater diversity of perspectives, problem-solving and development opportunities.  

Linda Pålsson, a business developer and project manager for Science Park's new initiative Digital Dreams, was the day's inspirational speaker and talked about the importance of creating sites and networks where young girls and women can explore and learn more about the technology industry.

Other speakers from Saab Group, Domstolverket (the National Courts Administration) and Husqvarna Group also took part. The day finished with a panel discussion and question time with those that had participated during the day. The panel discussed how new graduates are treated as newly employed engineers through mentorship programs, which skills are important in the engineering sector and how gender equality can increase within the engineering sector.

The study counsellors also gave examples of how they work with the pupils at their respective schools and gave suggestions on how industry and schools can collaborate to reach children and young people of all ages to increase interest in technology.

The companies that are part of the collaborative group and who work actively with gender equality issues in the technology industry are: Cybercom, the District Veterinarian's Office, Domstolverket, Husqvarna Group, iStone, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, Kapsch, Kitron, Knowit, Kongsberg Automotive, SAAB Avionics Systems, SAAB Training & Simulation, Science Park, Simonssonsgruppen, Telia Company and the School of Engineering, Jönköping University.