EqualEngineers is leading the Engineering Talent Awards 2020, an event that showcases role models and celebrates diversity in the Engineering and Technology sector
What is the Engineering Talent Awards?
EqualEngineers is on a mission to raise the profile of the engineering and technology profession. There is some incredible work being done by engineers and organisations across the sector in terms of diversity and inclusion, but little coverage on who they are, how they’re making a difference, and why their work is so beneficial to the industry. That’s why the Engineering Talent Awards seeks to celebrate the people and organisations promoting inclusivity and diversity within their field. By highlighting and celebrating their successes and passion for diversity, we hope to inspire others to consider a career in engineering and technology.
If you would like to nominate a person, organisation or even yourself for an award, then head over to http://bit.ly/EngTalentAwards2020 to fill out a nomination form.
Nomination categories
There are 16 nomination categories in total, with the option to enter more than one. We’ve put together a short summary of each category to help you decide who and why you should nominate a person or organisation for that particular award.
- Best Engineering Society of the Year
We’re looking for an exceptional engineering society that has achieved something enduring. Whether it’s in a university, college or school, we want to know about the societies that have promoted diversity and inclusion to deliver long-lasting change.
- Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Calling all ambassadors! If you or someone you know excels at their role and is inspiring others to consider an apprenticeship as a viable career alternative, then we want to hear from you. This person will be challenging stereotypes alongside their study and work commitments.
- Engineering Graduate of the Year
This category is about celebrating those with a real passion for engineering. We’re looking for someone who has made the difficult transition from university into work, and especially someone who is helping to create a diverse and inclusive engineering environment.
- Engineering Student of the Year
We’re looking for an engineering student who is passionate about creating an inclusive industry. The ideal nominee will believe diversity is the key to creating a balance between working hard and maintaining wellbeing – for themselves as well as others. They will promote engineering and use a portion of their spare time to help others.
- Chartered Engineer of the Year
This award celebrates those who have achieved chartered status, thereby proving their dedication and commitment to the engineering industry. We’re looking for nominees who haven’t just achieved this landmark status, but are excelling in their field and inspiring others to consider a career in engineering.
- Engineering Returner of the Year
Mid to senior level roles are currently suffering from a shortfall of talent, with many people leaving their jobs to explore other opportunities. This award is about recognising the contributions of individuals who have left the engineering profession (for whatever reason) and then made a conscious decision to return to it. They will be achieving ongoing success and inspiring others to return to the industry too.
- Best Professional Engineering Institution of the Year
We are looking for 1 of the 35 recognised PEIs qualified by the Engineering Council who go above and beyond to support their members. In particular, they will be increasing awareness of diversity, inclusion and positive mental wellbeing within their organisation.
- Large Employer of the Year
This category celebrates the large engineering employers who excel at supporting their engineers. If you are or work for an employer who actively promotes diversity and inclusion within their profession, then we want to hear from you.
- Small-Medium Enterprise of the Year
With most engineers employed in small-medium enterprises, we’re looking for the company with an active commitment to the development of its engineers. They will be using the resources available to them to widen participation in the creation of a more diverse and inclusive industry.
- Best Inclusion Programme of the Year
We recognise that implementing an inclusion programme can be tricky. However, the benefits in terms of attraction and retention in the engineering industry are well documented. If you work for or know an organisation that’s inclusive, supportive and welcoming of people from all backgrounds, works hard to ensure everyone is heard and respected, and listens to their workforce, then we’d like a nomination.
- Best Recruitment Team of the Year
In every engineering organisation, the onus is on the recruitment team to create a more diverse workforce. We are looking for nominees who have proven their awareness of bias (unconscious or otherwise) and taken steps to minimise its impact, resulting in the increase of diversity and fairness amongst the workforce.
- Best Project of the Year
If you are part of a project that has been exemplary in proactively trying to close gaps in inequality, opening engineering up to more people in both the public sector project organisations and private sector project consortia, then we want to hear from you.
- Employee Network of the Year
Employee networks are the influencers of a workplace culture. We want to celebrate the networks who can demonstrate their impact over the last twelve months in terms of engagement in diversity, a widening of the conversation around inclusion, and a shared space for people to meet and feel heard.
- Best Innovation of the Year
STEM subjects and innovation go hand in hand. We want to celebrate the innovative solutions designed by engineers from all backgrounds. So, if you’re an individual or team member who’s developed a solution to a challenge facing your business or environment, then we look forward to receiving your nomination.
- Executive Leader of the Year
Change can be difficult to implement. Passionate employees often need to overcome several barriers before their organisations adapt positively. This category celebrates the inspirational executive leaders who have helped pave the way for inclusive environments, whether they’re aware of it or not!
- Overall Excellence in Engineering Award
This award will be presented to one of the winners out of the fifteen award categories. This winner will represent an individual or organisation whose performance has significantly excelled across all categories. They will have had a significant and demonstrable impact on the area they influence, representing the best in class for advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in engineering.
If you would like to nominate a person, organisation or even yourself for an award, then head over to http://bit.ly/EngTalentAwards2020 to fill out a nomination form.
Become a sponsor
If you would like to help celebrate this event and get involved in the incredible work the awards represent, there are several sponsorship opportunities available. Head over to engineeringtalentawards.com/sponsor/ to sponsor a category or a part of the event itself.
Written by Dr Mark McBride-Wright CEng MIChemE, Founder & Managing Director of EqualEngineers. www.equalengineers.com