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ADVICE: Two mentors speaking with a potential STEM star

THE ASSOCIATION for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK) celebrates its 10-year anniversary with a gala event in London to recognise the impact they have made on the engineering landscape.

AFBE-UK promotes higher achievements in education and engineering careers among people from black and minority ethnicity (BAME) backgrounds across the UK. The organisation promotes diversity through programmes and activities which are led by exceptional professionals in the Engineering industry.

Since its launch in 2007 AFBE-UK's outreach programmes have reached over 6000 BAME individuals across the country. The Association not only offers networking, mentoring, educational resources and opportunities, it also provides access to jobs across the country.

The UK has a long standing history of engineering achievement and yet BAME communities are underrepresented across the sector. The proportion of UK citizens from ethnic minority communities is projected to reach between 20%-30% by 2050 but only 6% of UK engineers are from these backgrounds; although an average of 25% of engineering university graduates are from BAME backgrounds.

What makes this issue even more concerning is that the UK engineering sector is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals.

RECOGNITION: Students after taking part in an AFBE-UK workshop

The celebratory AFBE-UK gala, taking place in November, is a premier networking event for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals, high achieving students of ethnic minority backgrounds, individuals and organisations promoting STEM careers.

“The cradle to the grave approach employed by AFBE-UK has seen many young people from secondary schools to graduates from diverse backgrounds, study and secure employment in engineering as a direct result of engaging with AFBE-UK. We want to celebrate these achievements while looking to a future where AFBE-UK continues to bridge the skills gap in the Engineering industry by broadening the talent pool,", said Nike Folayan, Chair of AFBE-UK.

The event will begin with a networking reception where guests will be welcomed with drinks and a variety of multicultural entertainment. The keynote address will be undertaken by Tom Illube, who was ranked No. 1 in the 2017 Power list of the UK’s most influential Black Britons. Another highlight of the evening will be the public recognition of the winners of the 10th Anniversary AFBE-UK Awards recognising individuals and organisations who are making a significant contribution to the engineering industry. The Awards include the Innovation award, the Company Recognition award, the Outstanding Mentor award and the Appreciation award.

The 10th Anniversary AFBE-UK Awards will be held at The IET, Savoy Place on the November 2, 2017 from 6.30pm. For more information, click here.

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