The government is investing £4m to encourage more women into science, engineering and technology (SET) careers. The money will be used to create a resource centre for women based in Bradford, where women at all levels in their career can learn or refresh their skills in these areas.

Included in the investment is £200,000 from the Department for Education and Skills, which will help universities and colleges retain female undergraduates on science and technology courses. The resource centre will also work with British businesses to improve recruitment opportunities for women already working in science.

“We need to get more girls excited about careers in SET and additional women with these skills employed to use their specialist training and experience,” said Jacqui Smith, minister of state for industry and the regions.