AYRSHIRE College was praised for their work as a new plan to help challenge gender stereotyping was launched.

The plan, laid out by the Scottish Funding Council, aims to encourage engagement of men in women in areas to tackle gender imbalances in the field.

Having impressed with their work carried out on the issue, the college was invited to speak at the event and talk about the path ahead.

Challenging gender stereotyping in career and learning choices is a top priority for the College, and it has been working hard to encourage girls and women to choose science, engineering, technology, maths (STEM) and construction courses through its This Ayrshire Girl Can campaign. The College’s This Man Cares campaign aims to attract boys and men to courses in health, social and child care.

The Gender Action Plan was unveiled to a packed audience of senior figures from colleges, universities, student associations and employers by Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Employability and Training.

During his opening speech, Jamie Hepburn highlighted the work that Ayrshire College is carrying out to tackle gender imbalance, with specific reference to This Ayrshire Girl Can and This Man Cares.

Ayrshire College’s Vice Principal Jackie Galbraith, who was a member of the national Gender Steering Group which advised SFC on the development of the plan, was invited to speak at the launch.

Jackie said: “Ayrshire College takes every opportunity to encourage females into male-dominated courses and males into courses traditionally dominated by females. We do this, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because employers tell us they need a good balance of men and women in the workplace.”

The Scottish Funding Council is working with colleges and universities to ensure that by 2030 no subject will have a gender imbalance greater than 75%.