THE Secretary of State for Education has visited Whitman Laboratories, Estee Lauder’s manufacturing facility in Petersfield.

As part of Whitman’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, a ‘Women in STEM Day’ was held in partnership with The Girls’ Network, an award-winning mentoring scheme which supports local schools.

And Damian Hinds spent time talking to pupils and taking part in a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities.

Mr Hinds, the MP for East Hampshire, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Whitman Laboratories, one of East Hampshire’s largest employers, and see their impressive production facility in action.

“I was also delighted to meet students attending their Women in STEM Day; a great opportunity for young women to see the type of skills and experience required by many hi-tech employers today. The demand for STEM skills is growing and jobs in science, engineering and technological research are expected to rise at double the rate of other occupations between now and 2023.”

Mr Hinds added: “The Government is encouraging more students into STEM education and training, at all stages from primary school to higher education, and since 2010 there has been an increase of 18 per cent in the number of women taking STEM A-Levels in England, and the number of women accepted onto full-time STEM undergraduate courses has increased by 25 per cent.”

Becca Dean, co-founder of The Girls’ Network, said: “We were delighted to be supported by Whitman Laboratories and thank them for providing this opportunity for our girls. We believe it is fundamental that girls gain an insight into careers and opportunities in STEM.”

John Gander, plant manager at Whitman Laboratories, said: “Our partnership with The Girls’ Network enables local pupils to experience hands-on manufacturing-based STEM activities including engineering, compounding and quality assurance. It was fantastic to see our local MP engaging with the pupils and helping them design and build models to provide solutions to real life engineering challenges.”