The SPARC Alliance has completed part one of an independent evaluation led by Associate Professor Verity Jones of the University of the West of England.
Launched in secondary schools across Pembrokeshire last September, the SPARC initiative promotes gender equity in engineering and construction with financial backing from key industry partners who are shaping the energy landscape in the Celtic Freeport region.
Key factors contributing to the programme’s success include: hands-on learning activities, the presence of female role models, the all-female cohort structure, strong programme organisation and its positive media profile.
Encouragingly, in five of the six schools where data was collected, the percentage of students opting for STEM GCSEs was significantly higher than the regional average – indicating a strong positive link between SPARC participation and STEM subject choices.
Students reported greater awareness of career options, while teachers and employers placed strong emphasis on gender equity by ensuring female role models from the engineering and marine sectors led activities. This visibly shifted student perceptions, with many recognising these industries as inclusive and viable career spaces for women.
Teachers noted that SPARC had strengthened their professional networks, with benefits extending beyond the programme as other student groups gained access to industry-led activities and projects.
All industry partners confirmed that SPARC met or exceeded expectations – particularly in promoting gender diversity in STEM, promoting meaningful student-industry engagement, and raising awareness of local career opportunities.
”STEM skills are vital to Pembrokeshire’s energy future. SPARC is showing that the outdated view of energy careers as male-dominated no longer applies – what’s needed is a clear understanding of the breadth of equal opportunity”
said Hayley Williams, SPARC Co-Lead, Pembrokeshire College.
There’s still work to do and over the next year the project will continue to tackle stereotypes around women in STEM, clarify career pathways, and refine delivery approaches in sessions.
Part two of the evaluation will be completed in summer 2026, providing a fuller picture of the programme’s impact.
For more information about the SPARC Alliance, please email h.williams@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
