Engineering Big firms hoping to draw in underrepresented groups
DYSON and Rolls-Royce are among six large firms hoping to encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds into engineering careers at a jobs fair in Bristol this week.
The Wiltshire-based household appliances manufacturer and the aerospace giant, along with McLaren Racing, Network Rail, engineering firm Atkins and weapon manufacturer AWE will present at tomorrow’s event at science museum We The Curious.
Attendees at the free event will hear from the businesses about opportunities they are offering to female, ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, and disabled engineers who are looking for work in the sector.
Training providers and educational establishments will also talk on the day about how they can support people alongside their employers throughout their careers in the industry.
According to figures published on the Royal Academy of Engineering website, 8% of professional engineers in the UK are female, the lowest proportion in Europe, while 6% come from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Inclusivity group EqualEngineers have brought six companies together for the event, which is the first in-person careers fair the group has staged since the start of the pandemic.
The organisation’s founder and managing director Mark McBrideWright
said it was time for a “focussed effort” on bringing diverse talent into engineering and technology.
Mr McBride-Wright said bringing diverse candidates to events such as the fair on Wednesday to find out about apprenticeships, placements, internships and graduate opportunities was a “major step in the right direction”.
“You might be looking for opportunities when you finish school, college or university,” he said. “Perhaps you’re already in a career and looking for a change or maybe you’re simply considering a role in engineering or technology.
“Whatever the case, this careers fair will give you the opportunity to speak with organisations looking to recruit talent just like you. It is set to be a fantastic event and those attending really could land a stellar career with support all along the way.”
People who wish to attend the event are being encouraged to register online for the fair on Eventbrite.
In April, Dyson announced it would create 200 new jobs at its two campus locations at Malmesbury and Hullavington Airfield, as part of a £2.75bn investment plan to double its product range and grow research into robotics and artificial intelligence.
The tech company also recently announced plans to hire 20 chefs and catering assistants in Wiltshire following a decision to offer free lunches to staff as they return to the office.