FEMALE secondary school students and their parents have attended a careers evening in Bracknell as part of British Science Week.

The event was held at 3M’s UK headquarters in Bracknell, which was part of the annual celebrations of STEM based subjects including science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The science-based technology company engaged with schools throughout the week, which ran from March 8 to March 17.

On Thursday, March 14 a total of 70 year 7 and 8 girls from eight schools in Berkshire visited the centre with their parent or guardian.

John Klee, corporate communications manager for the 3M North Europe region, said: “It’s always great to see so many young women interested in the possibility of a STEM career.

“Through events such as this, we hope to help inspire the next generation to pursue STEM subjects, show how many career opportunities exist in these fields and demonstrate how innovation and science can improve everyday life.

“This is a vision that 3M shares with the British Science Week, which is why we are so proud to have been a major partner of British Science Week for a fourth year running.”

The careers event provided an insight into the wide range of opportunities available within the STEM fields.

The activities included a speed networking session, giving students a chance to speak with eight female science and engineering role models from 3M.

Attendees were also able to visit the 3M Customer Innovation Centre, to experience some of the company’s most innovative products in action.

A digital mechanical design area also held 3D printing demonstrations and there were a series of demonstrations showing how liquid nitrogen can shrink a balloon and freeze a flower.

A 12-year-old student said: “I loved all the product demo's in the Innovation Centre, but the lab tours were the best thing.

“My favourite subjects at school are chemistry and biology, and I want to study virology or bio-chemistry when I’m older, so it was great to visit a real lab. I also liked chatting to the 3M scientists and finding out about different careers, such as marketing.”

This is the fourth year running that 3M has held the event and has sponsored British Science Week.