Thanks to the support of Soroptimist International Jersey, ten students from across the island recently travelled to Silverstone to take part in the FIA Girls on Track programme.
The initiative aims to inspire more girls and young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), giving them the chance to experience the world of motorsport while developing valuable technical and leadership skills.
A pathway into future careers
The students earned their place through a selection event at Hautlieu School, where they completed a series of challenges designed to test creativity, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership.
Working in teams, participants designed and built miniature Formula 1-inspired cars, took part in an e-sim racing challenge and delivered presentations on leadership and how the Girls on Track programme could continue to grow in the Channel Islands.
At Silverstone, the students attended Formula Student, an international engineering and motorsport competition where university teams design, build and race their own single-seat cars. The visit gave them the opportunity to meet industry professionals, see engineering in action and gain first-hand insight into careers in motorsport and STEM.
Inspiring the next generation
For Digital Jersey Innovation Manager Charlie Miles, the programme is about opening doors to careers that many young people may never have considered.
“STEM wasn’t something that was widely talked about when I was their age, and I was one of only five girls on my Formula Student team at university.
That’s why opportunities like this are so important. It’s also important that young girls in Jersey can see female role models succeeding in these industries and recognise that these careers are open to them too.”
Charlie added that the experience is designed to create a lasting impact beyond the visit itself.
“This trip is about much more than a day away. It’s the start of a journey that could influence these girls for years to come, helping build confidence, ambition and connections that may shape their future careers.”
Supporting future talent
The trip was made possible thanks to sponsorship from Soroptimist International Jersey, whose support reflects its commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls.
By removing barriers and creating experiences like Girls on Track, Digital Jersey and its partners are helping more young people discover where STEM can take them while building the skills that will support Jersey’s future digital economy.
