How do we encourage more people in general, and females in particular to get into STEMM?

In other words, learn about, and participate in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and high-tech manufacturing.

The Innovative Young Minds (IYM) programme, now in its sixth year, is designed to encourage adolescent women to do just that.

Through engaging residential and online facilitation, years 11 and 12 females are exposed to the wide range of study, research and career opportunities available in STEMM.

Pertronic Industries is delighted to become an IYM sponsor – not the least because the initiative grew out of a Hutt City Rotary Club and Hutt City Council idea that has morphed into a standalone Charitable Trust.

Innovative Young Minds STEMM attendees during July 2023 event

We join other sponsors in the Gattung Foundation, Chorus, 3M, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, ONE Foundation and Asmuss Foundation.

Since its 2017 inception the IYM programme has impacted the lives of 660 young New Zealand women.

Of particular note is that 84% of these students leaving high school after being part of IYM are studying or working in the broader STEMM arena.

Alongside our financial contribution to IYM, Pertronic will host up to 40 students at our manufacturing site during the July 2024 programme’s week. Other sophisticated Hutt Valley businesses will also be visited during this time.

There is also a probability at least one of the cohort of young women will have the opportunity of work experience at Pertronic and have a look at the complexity and knowhow which goes into producing our fire detection and alarm systems.

Managing Director and founder David Percy says “it is one way we can contribute back to the community, and the wide variety of people who make up our team.”

“Of course we’d also like to think that some of the IYM participants will one day bring their inventive minds to Pertronic and work for us.

“But it is more important from our country and region’s point of view that young women are exposed to the possibilities that exist in STEMM. That alone is payback for Pertronic.”