NATS Prestwick opened its doors to a potential next generation of female engineers and air traffic controllers last week.

The leading air traffic management and solutions company launched their ‘Bring Your Daughter to Work Day’ following reports that only 11% of the UK’s engineering and technology workforce are women.

This allowed employees of NATS’ site in Prestwick the chance to invite a daughter, female family member or friend along to work for the day on Wednesday, October 10, which many did.

NATS Prestwick welcomed 18 young women aged between 13 and 18. They had the chance to meet air traffic controllers, air traffic control assistants, engineers, human factors specialists, accountants and enjoy a day of interactive talks, tours and activities aimed at helping them discover more about a possible career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and aviation.

Vicky Newhouse, who looks after NATS’ Early Careers programme, said: “After the great success of this event last year we were really excited to do it again. It’s important for young girls and women to feel confident taking up a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related industries, and this event is our way of planting that seed.

“By inspiring and engaging with them from a young age, we hope NATS can encourage young women to think more about their career options and the opportunities available to them within the aviation sector.”

NATS believes increasing diversity in the aviation industry is vital for several reasons, not least to expand the pool of engineering talent at a time when the industry has some truly ground-breaking developments on the horizon.

Vicky added: “Growing our talent pool is hugely important to NATS’ future success, so we hope the day gave them an insight into what a future career in STEM can offer and particularly the fantastic opportunities that exist in air traffic control.”

NATS is one of Ayrshire’s largest private employers and is responsible for handling 80% of North Atlantic air traffic, as well as traffic over Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of England.