Bath Rugby & Dyson tackle female underrepresentation in engineering and rugby

Dyson and Bath Rugby have launched TRY Engineering, a new programme aimed at breaking the barriers which lead to female underrepresentation in engineering and rugby.

The scheme has been designed for girls aged between 14-18 to support the industry-wide challenge of females choosing engineering as a career and to encourage the growth of participation in sport amongst the same group of young women.  The free of charge schools programme, which will introduce over 200 girls to engineering and touch rugby within its first year, launches in seven schools this week.

Offering a series of inspiring learning sessions - designed by Dyson’s leading engineers and delivered by Bath Rugby’s Community Coaches - young women will discover the extraordinary possibilities of engineering in the classroom, whilst experiencing the exhilaration of touch rugby out on the field.

Research shows that girls are missing out on the lifelong rewards of sport with the teenage years and transition to adulthood being the key time when drop out is at its highest. The habits and attitudes formed during this phase of life have a fundamental long-term impact on future engagement in sport. TRY Engineering aims to stop this cycle in its tracks and prevent the barriers, which reduce participation over time, from ever being built.

Clare Dunbar, Managing Director, Dyson Great Britain & Ireland believes that eradicating the barriers which prevent young women from entering the engineering industry is the key to solving this long-standing challenge. Adding to the important work Dyson continue to deliver in this area, she commented: 

“Historically, the UK has always seen a lack of women pursue a career in engineering and design, but at Dyson, we want to challenge this notion and encourage more diversity and inclusion within the sector. We do this by focusing on school children and nurturing their natural curiosity for problem solving."

Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive added: “We have designed this programme in partnership with Dyson to try and break the cycle of young women dropping out of sport during their teenage years. We want to find new ways to reframe and support sport to continue to play a meaningful role in women’s lives. We know that there are many complex barriers, and this is no easy solution, but today is an important step no less.”