DOHA, Qatar - A young engineer from BAE Systems has been in Qatar this week to work with schools and universities to look at developing academic potential in the engineering sector. Rachael Hoyle has concluded her week-long visit which centred on encouraging Qatar's students to explore careers in what is perceived to be a male dominated industry.
The visit was part of BAE Systems' ongoing programme of engagement with educational establishments in Qatar, and included a visit to Texas A&M University at Qatar and the Qatar Leadership Academy. BAE Systems is committed to education and skills development and believes it is vital to encourage young people to discover the excitement of a career in science and engineering.
Rachael joined BAE Systems from school at 16 and now has eight years of experience in the defence and aerospace industry, completed an apprenticeship at BAE Systems and most recently gained a First Class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is currently working as a Fleet Management Engineer supporting the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, which is in operation with the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Her experiences as an apprentice have given Rachael Hoyle the chance to work on a variety of different engineering projects, including Eurofighter Typhoon, and gain both practical and technical experiences, something which she is keen to share with young women and men who are currently thinking about what the future holds for them.
"Joining BAE Systems was the best thing I could have done," commented Rachael, "and the apprenticeship scheme has given me opportunities which many of my friends did not have, the most recent of which was graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with the support of the company. As a young woman working in what is usually seen as a 'man's world' my job has not been without its challenges, but I urge anyone with an interest in science and technology to consider it as a career. During my visit to Qatar, I have met many young women who clearly have the aptitude and enthusiasm required, so I hope they look to science and engineering as their career of choice."
Whilst in Doha Rachael gave a presentation to Texas A&M University at Qatar's Society of Women Engineers. The presentation focused on the exploration of the 'female engineer' identity. Rachael described her personal career journey and entertained the university students with her experience of the engineering world from a woman's perspective.
Dr Mashhad Fahes, Faculty Advisor - Society of Women Engineers at Texas A&M University at Qatar commented: "We are very fortunate at Texas A&M University to have large female student population, especially in petroleum engineering. The Society of Women Engineers student chapter is always glad to host female stars from the industry because we believe that their interaction with the female students can be very inspiring. Ms Hoyle was able to address some of the students' concerns about careers in engineering. We are grateful for the time and effort that BAE Systems volunteered to make this possible".
Rachael's stay included visits to the Cambridge School for Girls and Qatar Academy, which were arranged in conjunction with Texas A&M University at Qatar. At the schools she gave presentations on engineering as a potential career, describing the different types of engineering and the professions associated with each field, finishing with a Q&A session, in which students asked Rachael for advice on their future plans as an engineer or scientist.
During her visit, Rachael also led a workshop at the Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA) in Al Khor, where the cadets were guided in a lively discussion in the dynamics of flying aircraft before undertaking the practical task of designing and flying their own fighter jets, in the form of paper aeroplanes. This workshop was the fourth in a series where BAE Systems and QLA have united to motivate the cadets and stimulate their curiosity in the engineering world.
After the visit, Head of Student Affairs, George K D Hopkins said: "Our boys were once again engaged in a terrific group activity organized by BAE and presented by Ms Hoyle. Cadets had fun creating their paper typhoons and they enjoyed the contest at the end. Qatar Leadership Academy appreciates and values its ongoing collaboration with BAE Systems, because it helps our students make the connection between the classroom and real world applications".
For further information, please contact:
Louise Robson
Head of Communications - East, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 1252 384725
Mob: +44 7525 390707
louise.robson@baesystems.com
Kelsey Nightingale
Grayling Momentum for BAE Systems
Tel: +974 77 718 471
kelsey@graylingmomentum.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough,
Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719
Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
© Press Release 2012
