To celebrate International Women’s Day we’re highlighting the fact that over 50% of the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) focussed jobs at NatureScot Peatland ACTION are currently held by women. This bucks the UK statistics, where currently less than 30% of these kinds of jobs are held by women. It’s something we’re very pleased about.
It’s especially important to bring more women on board as peatland restoration is a rapidly growing sector, with the demand in the private sector for restoration scheme designers, surveyors, data and monitoring work and on the ground contractors also increasing all the time. We need to make sure that women see these roles as attractive and rewarding to ensure we can meet that demand.
Two women from NatureScot Peatland ACTION who are working hard to make that happen are Becky Shaw, our Training & Workforce Development Manager, and Amanda Ophof, our Operations Manager. They are heading to an event in Inverness organised by Skills Development Scotland entitled Girls Do Science, where they will be showcasing the STEM jobs available in peatland restoration.
©Sandy Middleton/Shetland Amenity Trust
The two-day STEM-focused events invite S1 to S6 girls to come along to explore careers and creativity in and around STEM industries.
On Friday 15 March from 6:30 to 7:30pm, there is an informal networking event for S4 to S6 girls, where they will get to meet inspirational women working in STEM industries, including Amanda, ask questions, and make useful contacts. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet inspirational women whose careers are within this exciting and fast-growing industry.
Becky will be there on Saturday 16 March, when from 10am to 2.15pm S1 to S3 girls are invited to join for a fantastic day of inspirational speakers working in STEM industries and get hands-on in interactive workshops. Becky will be talking about ‘Peat restoration, Eco Mapping and Moss testing’.
Colin Morrison of Angus Davidson Ltd at Lochrosque Estates. © Swift Films/NatureScot
Places at these free events are limited so if you know of someone who would like to attend, do use the links below to book soon to avoid disappointment!
- Friday 15 March – networking event for S4 to S6 girls
- Saturday 16 March – workshops and speakers’ day for S1 to S3 girls
You can find out more about NatureScot Peatland ACTION at www.nature.scot/peatlandaction
Scotland's Nature 
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