Wealden MP Nus Ghani is heading up the Government’s Year of Engineering campaign, aimed at getting young people into science careers.
As part of her duties as a transport minister, she is promoting opportunities for students to get into a field she feels is being overlooked.
Ms Ghani, who earlier this year became the first female Muslim minister to speak from the Commons’ Dispatch Box, is also hoping to address a gender imbalance in science industry.
She said: ‘There is a significant shortage of young people getting into engineering.
‘It is vital that we get more young people into the field if we are to continue to lead the world on great engineering projects in future.
‘There is also a notable gender imbalance in the field, and in the centenary year of women getting the vote it is especially pertinent that we encourage more young girls to get stuck in.’
In this role, the MP will promote programmes, courses and opportunities for people to learn more about engineering.
This includes July’s Big Bang Fair in Haywards Heath, where 9,000 students are expected to take part in interactive science workshops, shows and activities.
She will also make visits to schools, and recently spoke at a girls secondary in east London about the job opportunities which could tie in with the Crossrail project.
Ms Ghani has been Wealden MP since 2015 and was born in Kashmir.
She added: ‘One of the privileges of being an MP is meeting our bright and intelligent students throughout Wealden.
‘I am delighted to be heading up the Year of Engineering campaign and look forward to sharing the amazing opportunities engineering can offer to young people.’
