GIRLS had the chance to design and build a glider and a ground-to-air radio system as part of an initiative between schools and the RAF.

Personnel with the 90 Signals Unit, based at RAF Leeming, spent the summer promoting careers which required skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM.)

With the UK facing a shortage of school-leavers entering training and careers involving STEM skills, the team embarked on an initiative with the North Yorkshire Business & Enterprise Partnership to rectify common misconceptions about the subjects.

As part of their work, they staged a three-day Women in Science and Engineering week with Richmond High School.

Students were briefed to design and build a glider that could carry an empty 500ml water bottle from recyclable materials, the project involved a visit to RAF Leeming to look around one of the Hawk T1A jets.

The RAF personnel then ran another project, this time to design and build an encryption device for sending messages between locations.

In August, a group of 15-year-old girls were selected from more than 60 applicants to take part in a week-long project at RAF Leeming.

The girls were shown around satellite communications systems and learnt how to programme handheld radios and manufacture fibre-optic cables.

The highlight was the chance to build a ground to air radio system and a 12m mast.

Students then gave presentation explaining how the Royal Air Force would use communication systems in support of a humanitarian disaster, in this case an earthquake.

Sergeant Kev Stannard of the 90 Signals Unit STEM team said: “The event was a great success, with all the girls gaining a bronze crest award.”