A leading charity for girls has announced a partnership with engineering giant Amey to encourage more young women to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem).

Girlguiding said its move followed research showing that only 3% of girls aged seven to 10 would consider a career in engineering and half of girls aged 11-21 think Stem subjects have an image of being more for boys.

Amey will co-sponsor the charity’s new skills builder badges and activities aimed at encouraging girls to discover more about Stem.

Jess Bond, of Girlguiding, said: “Girls have told us they want more careers advice about what they can do with different subjects at school.

“It’s really great to have expert input from Amey into the design of the activities that will be on offer to girls and to tackle the misconception that Stem subjects are more for boys.”