EqualEngineers

Last week, some learners from our first Engineering Skills Bootcamp in Camberley had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Silverwood Mental Health Inpatient Service construction site with Galliford Try in Chertsey for a placement day, organised by our Programme Manager, Patrick Murray Whitham, and Liis Penman, Galliford Try’s Communities and Social Impact Manager.   The learners experienced a live construction site, gained valuable insights from the professionals working on the ground, and had workshops on topics including health and safety in construction, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering, site engineering and surveying, various case studies, and more.   They were also given a site tour and the chance to gain practical, hands-on experience of different aspects of the work, and were joined by Helen Wilcock Assoc CIPD, who has been instrumental in delivering the employability training on our Engineering Skills Bootcamps.   We would like to thank Liis and all those at Galliford Try who helped make this day such a wonderful and insightful experience for our learners. They have shared with us how much they enjoyed the placement day and the valuable knowledge they gained from it.   We are proud to see our learners gaining such meaningful, hands-on experience that will help shape their future careers in engineering.

Today is World Mental Health Day, a reminder of the importance of looking after our mental well-being, especially in industries like engineering where stress and pressure can be high. At EqualEngineers, our work on diversity, equity, inclusion, and psychological safety, including initiatives like the SAFE Leader framework, plays a crucial role in fostering environments where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered—essential components for safeguarding mental health.   Our research on Masculinity in Engineering (https://lnkd.in/e7hikVvM) revealed a stark reality: the number of engineers in our sector who considered harming themselves or taking their own lives increased from over 1 in 5 in 2019 to 1 in 4 in 2022. Beyond our industry, suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50, with male construction workers 3.7 times more likely to take their own lives compared to the national average.   As part of our commitment to fostering change in the engineering sector, we will soon be launching the third iteration of our masculinity in engineering research. This study aims to identify trends and patterns related to mental health and psychological safety in the industry, helping us better understand the pressures faced in engineering.   We remain dedicated to our key recommendation of creating parity of esteem between physical safety and mental health to address this urgent issue. By comparing the latest data with our findings from 2019 and 2022, we hope to gain deeper insights and drive meaningful action to improve mental well-being in the sector.   Keep an eye out for the launch and how you can get involved.

Our next FREE 4-week Engineering Skills Bootcamps, takes place in Norfolk and Suffolk. These courses are designed to equip you with essential skills and include a guaranteed job interview upon completion.   Cohort Details: - Thetford, Norfolk: Starting 14th October - Ipswich, Suffolk: Starting 4th November   The Skills Bootcamps include: - Technical training in mechanical, electrical, and fluid power systems - On-site placement days with engineering companies - Employability workshops focusing on CV building and interview skills   Delivered in partnership with Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council, these Skills Bootcamps provide a valuable opportunity to boost your employability and gain practical industry experience.   Register today to secure your place and take a step toward a rewarding career in engineering! https://lnkd.in/dk5BBGeH

Today marked the first day of the ATI Conference, organised by the Aerospace Technology Institute. Our Founder & CEO, Dr. Mark McBride-Wright, was present to deliver the opening keynote on Safe Leadership, where Mark discussed the importance of creating inclusive environments to attract, develop and retain talent in engineering.   We're proud to continue our mission of making the industry a place where everyone can reach their full potential!

There’s still time to register for our upcoming webinar on Autism Diagnosis Journeys and the intersection between neurodiversity and other identities, including LGBTQ+, menopause, and ethnicity.   We’re excited to have Moji Banjo (Civil Engineer, Ramboll) and Patrick Murray Whitham (Programme Manager, EqualEngineers) as our featured speakers, sharing their perspectives on these vital topics.   Don't miss out on this opportunity to join the conversation! Register via the link below. https://lnkd.in/dYk6rrYP

On Thursday, we hosted our first Industry Engagement event at the The University of Manchester. Our colleagues Fayon Dixon and Luigi Bozzo supported the event, which brought together some of our Pathways Programme Industry Partners: Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Rolls-Royce SMR, and UK Atomic Energy Authority.   Each company delivered insightful presentations, giving students a unique opportunity to learn about their work, values, and career opportunities. Students also had the chance to connect directly with employers at their stands, ask questions, and explore career possibilities.   The event was a great success, with fantastic feedback from both students and companies. A special thanks goes to Hannah Watte, part of the University’s Careers Team, who was instrumental in helping us organise the day.   If you are an organisation interested in partnering with our Pathways Programme and engaging with the next generation of diverse engineering talent, we’d love to hear from you. https://lnkd.in/dhssScYu

Menopause affects millions of people globally, yet it often remains a topic many feel uncomfortable discussing. This month is dedicated to breaking that silence, raising awareness, and empowering individuals.   We are proud to support conversations around menopause and its impact in the workplace through our dedicated Menopause Network.   To mark this important month, we are hosting an online event on 15th October at 12:30 PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more, share experiences, and engage in open discussions about how we can better support individuals going through menopause.   Whether menopause affects you directly or you're keen to support colleagues and loved ones, this event is for everyone. We hope you will join us! https://lnkd.in/dH5G8ief

This October, InterEngineering and REACH bring you a special event for Black History Month.   In this session, we'll dive deep into the stories that often go untold, highlight the contributions of Black professionals in engineering and beyond, and explore how we can collectively reclaim and reshape these important narratives.   Whether you're passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion or eager to learn more, this is an event not to be missed!   Register now to secure your spot. https://lnkd.in/e9DMmjDe

We’re excited to announce that our upcoming Menopause Network event will feature Sam Williams, a Certified Menopause Coach and Principal Systems Engineer at Babcock International Group. Sam, who also has ADHD, will share her unique experience of navigating menopause while managing ADHD, offering valuable insights on how these two aspects intersect. With her dual expertise, Sam will lead a discussion on self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience during menopause. This session will be an opportunity to learn practical strategies and participate in a creative vision boarding activity to focus on your personal goals. Join us on October 15th for this empowering conversation. Register now! https://lnkd.in/dH5G8ief

Yesterday, our colleagues Luigi Bozzo and Fayon Dixon attended job fairs in both Thetford and Ipswich to promote our ongoing Engineering Skills Bootcamps! They had great conversations with potential learners, and we're excited to share that many of them applied to join.   We can’t wait to welcome our next cohort in Thetford on 14th October. These Skills Bootcamps are designed to help people upskill and get back into the workforce with the support of both Suffolk County Council and Norfolk County Council.   If you're interested in joining and boosting your engineering skills, there's still time to apply! Click the link below to find out more and secure your spot. https://lnkd.in/diuFpg8p