Ford engineers hosted over 100 female students from local Essex Schools at its Dunton Technical Centre to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day.

The Blue Oval brand said it is working to reduce the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers by inviting female students to take part in STEM activities and tours of its Dunton Technical Centre.

Stephen Metcalfe MP, the government envoy for the Year of Engineering and Rachel Hayden, 2017 Ford STEM prize winner, joined a number Ford female engineers on a panel discussion and student Q&A on topics ranging from apprentices to senior management roles.

The debate followed a keynote speech delivered by Sue Slaughter, director of purchasing, Ford of Europe, recognised as one of the Top 100 most influential women.

Slaughter said: “At Ford, we recognise the challenges of attracting young people – especially girls – to pursue STEM-related careers.

“However, we find this to be largely based around perception.

“We run this event to show-off the wide range of exciting, future-facing STEM careers so that these female students understand all of the opportunities available and can be inspired by what is most suited to them.”