Dr. Edris Joonaki, TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory

Dr. Edris Joonaki, as a young talented engineer, is Technical Lead of variety of UK Government/Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT)-Funded projects worth more than £2m.

Martin Griffin, Knight Piésold

Martin mentors juniors towards Chartership. He delivers EDI talks with passion, knowledge and lived experience, to diverse groups from work colleagues to external organisations. He has written LinkedIn blogs, several Ground Engineering articles and an EDI Engineering Toolkit. He can be heard on podcasts and recognised as a national Role Model In GeoScience. Finally, Martin is a Geological Society Council Member, Chairperson of IOM3’s Ably Different, STEM Ambassador, former Ground Forum mentor for underrepresented groups.

Lauren Helena Poole, Jaguar Land Rover

Lauren is due to finish her Degree Apprenticeship this summer having made a business impact whilst still at the early stages of her career. She has written and implemented new processes as part of business transformation and she has fought back against adversity and spoken publicly about becoming a mother whilst on her degree scheme. The future is bright for Lauren as she continues to strive for success.

Nabilah Thagia, Dyson

Nabilah’s goal has always been to be a high-performing individual, and her apprenticeship journey has been no different. Her achievements are many, and alongside this she has been involved in giving back to the wider community, through outreach, diversity initiatives in the workplace, and mentoring.

Oliver Sands, JCB

Oliver is a 4th year Engineering Degree Apprentice at JCB. Having recently been selected to work as an Executive Support his day-to-day role involves working directly with JCBs Excavator Executive and Senior Management team on building and executing strategic initiatives supporting the next generation of engineering innovations. He is a keen ambassador for apprenticeships of all kinds and actively promotes the advantages of an alternative route to further education.

Robert Spencer, Rolls-Royce Submarines

Robbie has been an advocate for apprenticeships, engineering and the nuclear industry as a whole. He has shone as both an engineer and role model for his peers to aspire to. Robbie goes out of his way to ensure that engineering apprenticeships are a key path to becoming a professional engineer for people from all backgrounds. He has demonstrated this through his excellent university grades and the fantastic work he’s done in his placements.

Samuel Douglas, Energus

Sam is a worthy nominee for Apprentice of the Year Award. Currently undertaking his Degree Apprenticeship, Sam has excelled in many projects and contributed positively to the promotion of the industry and Apprenticeships within the community, during a challenging period within his personal life. Sam is a positive, enthusiastic and committed Apprentice putting 100% effort into everything, both in his practical placement and college studies, recently winning a National College for Nuclear Endeavour Award 2022.

Elish Chambers, Lancaster University

Elish is a final year Chemical Engineering student at Lancaster University, predicted a 1st class result in her degree. She is passionate about encouraging young women into STEM and co-founded the Women’s Engineering Society at Lancaster to provide a supportive community for current students. Elish has continually sought out opportunities for development, successfully completing industrial placements at GSK and AstraZeneca. Elish has also achieved her EngTech registration with IChemE, recognising her contribution to the profession.

Jakub Zemek, University of Manchester

Mastering two foreign languages, Jakub dared to leave his country and pursue his dreams at The University of Manchester, where he maintains 1st class grade. Jakub has proven his academic excellence in multiple prestigious competitions and inspires others through volunteering.

Jakub underwent PoSSUM astronaut training, worked over a year in the aerospace industry, and was selected for training courses by the European Space Agency. Today, Jakub is the CEO of a drone start-up.

John Mosuela, University of Sheffield

John is a current Civil Engineering student at the University of Sheffield who has worked with young people across South Yorkshire to widen participation in Higher Education, equip them with skills to succeed in school and give them confidence to pursue a career in STEM. As the Careers Officer of Sheffield PLAN, he has organised events to build the confidence of LGBT+ students and collaborated with organisations to embed inclusive values in the workplace.

Nyasha Mutembwa, University of Dundee

Nyasha was elected as the First Black Female President of Dundee University Students’ Association in March 2022. She is an engineering graduate and oversees over 19000+ students, as the lead of DUSA’s Executive Committee. She is responsible for ensuring that the voices of students are represented and influence the overall student experience; as she sits on several Executive level Boards and committees within the University and the Association to make sure every decision is inclusive.

Aysh Yapa, Airbus

Aysh Yapa is a Systems Engineering Graduate at Airbus. Her passions include inspiring the next generation of female engineers, and fighting the stigma around mental health. She recently published a paper at the International Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity in Madrid, Spain. Alongside her technical responsibilities, she is also part of the Airbus Filton Learning Hub Leadership Team which organises and resources STEM and outreach activities in schools and universities.

Greta Atkoceviciute, Wessex Water

Greta is an exemplary engineer at Wessex Water who’s personality is hard-working, keen to learn, and prove herself competent to take on responsibility beyond average expectation for a graduate engineer. Always determined to improve, learn, and provide high-quality outputs that are risk and cost resilient, and focus on the impact on the environment and customers.

Peter Mahir Hekmat Marji, Arup

A creative graduate power systems engineer at ARUP. Peter loves challenging engineering problems, he excelled through developing niche skill sets and is now the discipline lead for the project he is working on. Peter finds true fulfilment in taking students on a journey of what it is like to be an engineer with activities he designs based on his work. He reached a wide diverse group through the IET and continues to share his passion.

Tom Webster, UKAEA

Tom’s positive, can do attitude is to grab every opportunity. A graduate in the fast-paced world of Fusion, he brings enthusiasm to every challenge. In hydrogen research, his software skills contribute innovation to system engineering. Volunteering with our outreach team, he communicates our clean energy mission to the public. Committed to giving back to others, he is creating exciting and welcoming opportunities to encourage the next generation of potential fusion engineers to join us.

Ederson Dias da Silva, Airbus

Ederson Dias da Silva is being nominated for being part of a group of people who deserve attention, not for being disabled, but for showing how people with certain disabilities can have a normal life like anyone else, they can be capable and efficient people and professionals, people with special needs same chances and opportunities, this nomination just goes to show that Ederson, with his experience, added a lot of value to the company.

Emma Hellawell, LEAP Environmental

Emma is a chartered civil engineer, specialising in sustainable brownfield development. She had a non-linear career in consultancy, academia and local government. Emma returned to engineering through a Daphne Jackson Fellowship investigating brownfield asbestos. Responding to the net-zero challenge, she then focused her work on developing a carbon reduction design tool (CReDiT) for brownfield remediation. She is now developing and applying more civil engineering carbon tools in a new role at LEAP Environmental.

Emmanuel Anonas, Cubic Transportation Systems

Emmanuel Anonas a passionate individual who is skilled in technology. Having worked as a senior technical consultant in Finastra Philippines and a former test automation team lead in Accenture Philippines, Emmanuel faced initial challenges when applying for roles in the UK. However, his persistence and determination to find the right opportunity led him to approach STEM Returners. The program’s support and coaching helped him secure a SDET position and boost his confidence and skillset.

Laryssa Amado, OWC

Laryssa has successfully transitioned from railroad engineering & protection/automation roles in her native Brazil even through with barriers in Brazilian graduate admission and UK immigration policies to undertake a MSc in Renewable Energy at Brunel University in 2005. Now with OWC as key team member as Electrical Consultant she is heavily involved in the holistic design in offshore windfarms working actively in projects in Baltic States, APAC & Europe with tasks such as cost modelling and substation layout/dimensioning.

Philippa Hart, Safran

After a six year career break from Industry looking after her young family and in parallel set up her own Business from home, Philippa joined Safran Seats under the STEM Returners Scheme as a Programme Manager on a 3 month trial basis.

Within 3 weeks of being in position, Pippa was made Programme Manager for the Air India awarded a permanent contract with Safran Seat GB with 2 month of her 3 moth trial period.

Peter Mountney, Odin Vision

Peter Mountney is a leading example of how applying yourself to all aspects of a company are fundamental to success. He welcomes diversity, ensuring that employees are well supported by applying initiatives to encourage an inclusive workplace where everyone can work to the best of their ability. Peter has always given back to the community by presenting the journey of his start-up at different conferences to help inspire students to pursue a career in engineering.

EMC Engineering Group Ltd

Razvan Savutiu , the founder of EMC Engineering Group is contributing to a greener planet, by developing innovative, affordable instruments used in predictive, preventive , proactive maintenance, reliability that contributes in reducing CO2, production downtime, reducing energy consumption whilst increasing efficiency, productivity, and sustain an affordable transition that integrates digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and automation for a smooth production whilst creating environmentally friendly equipment.

Error-free 3D printing to save costs and protect the environment, Donaa Limited

Donaa is leveraging materials engineering and computer vision algorithms to unlock the power of 3D printing and help engineers push the boundaries of what is possible, while driving sustainable growth within our society. Our diverse team continuously enhances our knowledge base and partners with organisations that promote underrepresented groups to inspire innovation in an inclusive way.

Fathom-Global 3.0 – a fundamental change in our global view of flood risk

Fathom-Global 3.0 is a global flood map that draws on extensive peer-reviewed academic research and scientific data sources to simulate the behaviour of water across rainfall, coastal and rivers flood perils. It is the most robust and comprehensive global flood map in the world, and enables users to quantify and mitigate flood risk, by highlighting risk variability under future climate scenarios – unprecedented across industry and academia.

Innovation by Integration – Integrated Process Module

The goal for the Baker Hughes New Product Introduction team was to design a product where the positives greatly outweighed the negatives, redefining how the industry perceives a Flow Control Module – What was achieved was a disruptive 70% reduction in weight and footprint based on legacy products, with more than 50% reduction in part-count and cost while supplying the exact same functionality based on previously supplied Flow Control Modules.

Porotech

Porotech utilises its core PoroGaN® platform technology and global supply chain to deliver next generation microLED technologies into applications from AR glasses to video walls. The PoroGaN® platform enables Porotech to produce both high colour purity monochrome microLED technology and multi/full colour displays based on its ground-breaking DynamicPixelTuning® (DPT™) technology.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering Module

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering module run by the Mechanical Engineering Department at Imperial College London is pioneering EDI modules in UK engineering teaching. Students undertaking the module will learn about and engage with equality, diversity and inclusion in the context of global society and within the engineering industry. Students will also apply this knowledge to create and plan initiatives, gaining an understanding of being an EDI champion and improving interpersonal skills.

Everyone Belongs – Culture, Inclusion and Diversity at Wessex Water

People are at the heart of everything Wessex Water does and their people are passionate about sustainability and the environment. They constantly drive innovation and improvements for their customers and they know that having a diverse workforce enhances that innovation. That’s why they dedicate time and resources into their programme from executive sponsorship to a bottom up driven programme…. developed by their people, for their people.

Grid for Good, National Grid

In order to thrive at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future, National Grid embeds inclusivity into every facet of its culture. Its flagship ‘Grid for Good’ programme supports young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, providing education and employment opportunities designed to help the young people of today become the energy problem-solvers of tomorrow. This is supported by inclusivity initiatives designed to inspire and engage both employees, and the wider energy industry.

Jacobs / upReach Engineering Springboard Programme

United by a shared vision of building a more inclusive UK engineering industry, upReach and Jacobs launched the upReach Engineering Springboard programme. The programme offers intensive and highly-personalised careers support for 60 undergraduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and is designed to help students to secure competitive work experience in the engineering sector. 63% of these students have already secured offers for work experience, internship, placement and/or graduate roles, with 128 applications still ongoing.

Morson Maker Space, Engineering Summer School, part of the Morson STEM Foundation

IGNITION was a three-day bespoke engineering summer school designed and delivered by the Morson Maker Space at the University of Salford. Providing an active learning environment for young people from local underrepresented groups, especially young white men, the summer school provided a unique opportunity for participants to experience campus life, explore STEM skills and future engineering careers in conjunction with their industry partner Morson Group, and the university’s outreach and Salford Racing Formula Student teams.

Aerospace Society at the University of Liverpool

The Aerospace Engineering Society at the University of Liverpool is a student-led group that aims to provide an enriching student experience with opportunities for members to engage with industry and build professional connections. With a focus on diversity within the committee itself, the society has created a welcoming group where underrepresented members can contribute to decision-making processes. The society’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment has created a lasting impact on the university and community.

Engineers Without Borders Glasgow

EWB Glasgow has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to promoting sustainability, social justice, and diversity and inclusion in engineering. Their innovative events and projects have created a positive impact on campus and in the wider community, and have provided opportunities for students to engage in meaningful and impactful activities outside of the lecture. With their focus on making a lasting difference, EWB Glasgow has truly created a lasting effect on our members and beyond.

FemEng: Empowering Women in Engineering

FemEng: Empowering Women in Engineering is a female led student society at the University of Glasgow which provides members the opportunity to develop skills and industry connections which will benefit them in their future careers. We also work hard to reach and inspire the next generation of female engineers through volunteering in the local community. Our International projects in Africa aim to further increase awareness of STEM.

Handprints e-NABLE Scotland

Handprints e-NABLE Scotland is a student-led, non-profit society at the University of Glasgow which strives to inspire future generations of engineers through engagement with stimulating workshops, panel talks and design projects in 3D printed prostheses, assistive devices and myoelectric prostheses . They provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills in CAD, 3D printing, design project management and ultimately change a prosthetic recipient’s life for the better.

UCL Engineering Society

The UCL Engineering Society (UCLES) is a community many students call home and is the largest STEM society on campus. The society regularly hosts careers and social events for its constituent members to help support personal development and provide a means of connecting with students across other engineering disciplines. The UCLES-led Engineering Coalition strives to create a platform for students across all backgrounds to have a platform to develop their careers through interdisciplinary events.

Disabilities Forum at Foster + Partners

The Disabilities Forum is a group of 15 members from Foster and Partners who nurture, drive and champion the removing of barriers to physical and mental equality – both within the organisation and the spaces we create. The forum has made a significant impact on inclusion within the organisation and is dedicated to supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

The Disabilities Forum supports knowledge sharing and learning new skills through presentations, seminars, and resources.

OutLink, BAE Systems

OutLinkUK is an LGBTQ+ employee network which has grown year on year since its launch in 2015. It’s the largest and longest running network in BAE Systems and has formed the template by which other employee networks run. OutLinkUK not only support their own staff on LGBTQ+ related issues, they have passed on their expertise to other networks in the engineering industry. They support LGBTQ+ people in local areas by sponsoring prides and other events.

Black Hills Products

Black Hills Products are a small, family run Engineering/Manufacturing business supplying solutions based engineering to the energy, offshore and renewables sectors.

The multigenerational team are huge advocates of equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace and strive to maintain their commitments towards this in their recruitment, when dealing with customers and suppliers. Positive Mental Health in the workplace also forms part of their ethos and trained Mental Health First Aiders champion this cause daily.

Civic Engineers

Civic Engineers are a civil, structural and transport engineering practice focused on having a positive impact on the environment and enabling people to lead happier, healthier lives.

Establishing an inclusive culture that celebrates the importance of individuality and creating policies that put people and purpose first, they work collectively to ensure a workplace and environment that helps people excel as their authentic selves.

Odin Vision

Odin Vision is a leading example of how a company encapsulates equality, diversity and inclusion in order to drive their company forward and reach their milestones. Each member of their leadership team makes an active effort to ensure employees are fully supported in the workplace, implementing initiatives to ensure this. They welcome diversity and believe this has been key to creating a powerful team who motivate one another to excel in their field.

Scitech Engineering Limited

Scitech is committed to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in engineering and is leading by example through the introduction of its D&I mission statement and action plan. Through innovative initiatives such as the ‘Tea for Three’ scheme, it is fostering an inclusive culture, while recruitment, retention and outreach initiatives are aimed at attracting a diverse workforce. It has a comprehensive wellbeing strategy which has a focus on mental health, with dedicated mental health first aiders.

Sheridan Lifts Ltd

Family-run business, Sheridan Lifts, is one of the UK’s largest independent lift companies, operating for over 40 years to provide a comprehensive range of products and services including design and installation of new lifts, maintenance of existing lifts and service and repair for all types of passenger/ service lifts.

Sheridan Lifts retains family and values from the top down and are social value champion. They aim to be the largest independent family-run UK businesses.

Rolls-Royce

With a robust strategy in place, Rolls-Royce is taking action to advance diversity and inclusion across their business. In the last 12 months, they set their sights on their early talent population. With a bold approach that’s all about inclusion – from attraction through to support and development – they’ve not only increased the diversity of their own apprentices and graduates, but helped to show every student that engineering is a profession that’s open to them.