The Engineering Talent Awards 2024 have announced their winners, highlighting remarkable individuals and organisations making strides in the engineering sector. Kayleigh Poulter, a recent graduate of the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology, has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to inclusive design and diversity advocacy, winning the prestigious award for Overall Excellence in Engineering.
Celebrating Engineering Excellence
The awards ceremony took place at the Leonardo Royal St Paul’s Hotel on 13th September 2024, where engineering professionals and aspiring talents gathered to celebrate achievements across the sector. The event was graced by keynote speakers Richard Hartley-Parkinson, Executive Editor of METRO, and Dr Mark McBride-Wright, Founder and CEO of EqualEngineers. The Engineering Talent Awards (ETAs) aim to celebrate, attract, and develop talent across the engineering sector, with a particular focus on championing female, ethnic minority, LGBT+, and disabled engineers.
Championing Inclusive Design and Diversity
Kayleigh Poulter’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Having earned her BEng and an apprenticeship qualification from the Dyson Institute, she distinguished herself not only through academic achievements but also through her commitment to inclusive design. Her final year project focused on creating accessible designs for individuals with sensory sensitivity and neurodivergences. Conducting user trials, she developed recommendations that have influenced Dyson’s design processes, ensuring their products are more accessible to a wider range of users.
Recognising Industry Leaders
The ETAs 2024 honoured 15 category winners, chosen from over 300 nominations spanning various engineering organisations and industries. Among the other notable winners was Matthew Walker of Rolls-Royce SMR, who received the Engineer of the Year award for his groundbreaking work on the Emergency Boron Injection System, saving approximately £10 million per power station built. Additionally, Rolls-Royce SMR garnered further recognition, winning the Engineering Apprentice of the Year and Employee Network of the Year awards, making them the most awarded company of the evening.
In the business categories, WSP was named Large Employer of the Year, while The CCTV Company Ltd took home the Small-Medium Enterprise of the Year award. Innovation of the Year was awarded to Duku for their Accessible EV Charger, designed with elderly and disabled drivers in mind.
The ETAs also celebrated the academic community, with universities like the University of Central Lancashire and Swansea University receiving accolades for their inclusive programmes and team initiatives. Individual awards were presented to university staff and students, acknowledging their contributions to engineering education and innovation.
Statements from Key Figures
Dr Mark McBride-Wright, Founder and CEO of EqualEngineers, expressed his admiration for the winners, saying, “The Engineering Talent Awards showcase the incredible talent and dedication within our sector. These individuals and organisations are not just shaping the future of engineering; they are redefining what it means to be an engineer in a diverse and inclusive industry.”
Lucinda Blanchard, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at Airbus UK, stated, “The Engineering Talent Awards showcase the diverse minds shaping the future of our industry. Airbus is proud to support this celebration of innovation and inclusion in engineering.”
Niamh Faughnan, Skills & Talent Development Manager at RED Engineering, added, “The Engineering Talent Awards highlight the importance of diversity in engineering. At RED Engineering, we are honoured to recognise and support the brilliant individuals and projects driving our industry forward.”
Honouring the Fifth Year of the ETAs
In its fifth year, the Engineering Talent Awards continue to grow, thanks to the support of sponsors and partners. EqualEngineers was proud to collaborate with the Royal Academy of Engineering as the Event Partner and METRO as the Media Partner. Principal Partners RED Engineering and AIRBUS, along with other sponsors including Amazon, ECITB, EQUANS, Heathrow, IET, Railway Industry Association and Rolls-Royce SMR contributed to the event’s success.
