Philtronics inspires young learners with Girls Can Engineer

How can businesses help the next generation see a future in engineering? For South Wales-based electronics manufacturer Philtronics, the answer starts in local classrooms. By using Enginuity-supported Girls Can Engineer storybooks and sharing the real career journeys of its own employees, the company is helping young people discover what engineering involves and see the opportunities available in their own communities.

About Philtronics

Philtronics is a contract electronics manufacturer based in the South Wales Valleys, providing electronics manufacturing services to its customers. With a strong industrial heritage in the region, but ongoing challenges around access to opportunities and engagement with STEM, the business is keen to help young people discover the engineering and manufacturing careers available close to home.

Through the Philtronics Academy, the company supports staff development and new recruits, while also building relationships with local schools and colleges. Recognising the importance of inspiring young people before they begin making decisions about their futures, Philtronics wanted to introduce engineering to primary school pupils in an accessible and engaging way.

About Girls Can Engineer

Created by Pertemps Network Group and supported by Enginuity, Girls Can Engineer is a colourful, interactive storybook designed to inspire girls aged 7-9 to explore engineering.

The initiative aims to help more engineering and manufacturing SMEs connect with schools and introduce young people to the sector. With women underrepresented in engineering and manufacturing, early experiences can help challenge stereotypes and broaden children's understanding of the careers open to them. The storybook gives employers, teachers and families an accessible way to introduce engineering through stories and relatable role models, helping girls see that a future in the sector is possible.

Bringing Girls Can Engineer into local schools

The storybook offered Philtronics a way to introduce engineering concepts while challenging stereotypes about who can work in STEM.

To make the books more relatable, Philtronics customised them with a story about Kayleigh, its in-house trainer. A cartoon version of Kayleigh features alongside her career journey, explaining how she joined the company 15 years ago with no previous electronics experience and progressed from production operative to team leader, inspector and now trainer.

Kayleigh joined the school visits in person, allowing pupils to meet the person behind the story. Philtronics also prioritised schools connected to its employees and their families, helping children see engineering as something that exists within their own communities.

During sessions, the team asked pupils what they thought engineers did and whether they knew anyone working in the field. To explain electronics manufacturing, they compared building with tiny components, soldering and wiring to constructing with Lego.

For older learners, including a Girls in STEM club at YGG Rhydywaun, the team introduced hands-on activities using light sensors, helping pupils explore how electronic components work together and how they can be used creatively.

Reaching pupils and building confidence

The visits have helped Philtronics build relationships with schools across Rhondda Cynon Taf, Neath Port Talbot and the surrounding valleys, reaching 250 pupils through its sessions to date.

The response from pupils has been positive, with plenty of questions about electronics, components and how things are made. Philtronics found that an informal approach helped pupils feel comfortable sharing ideas, while practical activities encouraged them to explore engineering for themselves.

Teachers also welcomed the books and the opportunity to connect classroom learning with local employers. Mrs May from Hirwaun Primary School said: “Thank you so much for visiting and providing us with the wonderful books ‘Girls Can Engineer’! I’m sure we’ll make plenty of valuable use of them… We’ll keep the link between our school community and your company.”

The feedback reinforced the value of combining accessible learning resources with relatable role models who can show young people what engineering looks like in practice.

Looking ahead

Philtronics has distributed 10 customised Girls Can Engineer books across the schools it has visited so far. The initiative has also helped establish new school relationships, with further engagement already planned, including a session at Gwaunfarren Primary School in Merthyr Tydfil.

For Philtronics, the experience has reinforced the importance of starting conversations about engineering early, when curiosity is high, and perceptions of careers are still developing. The company plans to build on these relationships through its wider school outreach programme, which includes careers fairs, company visits, college talks and work experience placements.

By connecting young people with real people, practical activities and local career opportunities, Philtronics is helping more pupils see engineering as an interesting, achievable path for their future.

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