PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10th September 2019
South Coast Engineering & Technology Careers Fair for Diverse Talent
On 16th October in Southampton, EqualEngineers will be hosting a careers fair with a difference. Aimed at anyone who is considering a career in engineering or technology - be it school leavers or career changers, the fair looks to connect inclusive employers with motivated talent from a diverse range of backgrounds.
An informal space, where opportunity-seekers can meet employers and others in the industry face to face, the fair will feature a variety of exhibitors from across the sector, including regional and national employers, training providers and educational establishments. All will be ready to discuss current opportunities including apprenticeships, placements, internships, graduate schemes and returnships.
Confirmed exhibitors include ExxonMobil, Babcock, Leonardo, SSE and many more.
EqualEngineers founder, Mark McBride-Wright says:
‘Students and graduates looking for opportunities in engineering and tech should come along to have a chat with our exhibitors. Apprenticeships are also a fantastic way to build up your skills and knowledge in the sector whilst getting paid. We are seeing great opportunities out there for people wanting to embark on a career change or have their first step on the career ladder, and our aim at EqualEngineers is to increase social mobility within the engineering and technology profession. We are especially keen to see people from under-represented groups in the profession, such as women; people from ethnic minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+); and people with disabilities and neurodiverse people at the fair.
This really is about inclusivity and opportunities for people who had maybe thought this sector wouldn't be for them.
Our work with companies has also shown that they benefit greatly from having a more diverse workforce and inclusive workplace and we are keen to hear from further exhibitors.'
Cadent Gas, who exhibited in 2017 says:
‘With such a plethora of interest, many coming from our affiliation with EqualEngineers, we are excited about a more diverse set of candidates for our assessment and selection processes.'
A previous attendee and apprenticeship seeker says:
‘I just want to say thank you for the range of engineering apprenticeships you put on yesterday, it has helped me a lot to decided what and where I want to go and what I want to do.'
The South Coast Engineering & Technology Careers Fair 2019 takes place at Solent University on 16th October, from 12pm - 4pm.
Find out more and book your place here: http://bit.ly/SouthCoast2019ExhibitorPage
To download a poster to advertise: http://bit.ly/SotonPoster2019
Infographic on our events: http://bit.ly/CFInfographic
Recruiters: If you are interested in exhibiting, find out about opportunities here http://bit.ly/EqEngCareersFairsExhibitorGuide2019 and email info@equalengineers.com.
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For more information or to interview Mark McBride-Wright, contact EqualEngineers on info@equalengineers.com.
Notes to Editors
About EqualEngineers
EqualEngineers was set up to make the Engineering & Technology sectors more diverse and inclusive. Their belief is that the sector lacks in diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups, which is proven to increase performance, growth and innovation, as well as improve health, safety and wellbeing. EqualEngineers provides a solution to this through training, recruitment, media and events.
About Dr Mark McBride-Wright CEng MIChemE
Mark McBride-Wright, PhD, CEng, IChemE is a recognised diversity and inclusion leader. He is Founder and Managing Director of EqualEngineers, a company focused on connecting inclusive employers with diverse talent in the engineering and technology sectors and offering a wide array of D&I consultancy services alongside annual careers fairs and networking events. He is also Chair and Co-Founder of InterEngineering, a non-profit industry body that connects, informs and empowers LGBT+ engineers and supporters with a membership of over 1,000 engineers across 4 regional groups across the UK. Mark is Founding Member of the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group for the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), External Advisor to the Metropolitan Police, sitting on their Strategic Inclusion Diversity & Equality (STRIDE) Board, Diversity Board Member for the University of Kent, and Advisory Member to the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
In recognition of his diversity work, Mark won the coveted 'Corporate Rising Star' award at the 2016 British LGBT Awards and was ranked #2 in the 2015 Financial Times Future LGBT Leaders list (#6 in 2016). In addition, he was 'Highly Commended' at the Inclusive Networks Awards (2015), shortlisted for the 'Corporate Equality Award' by PinkNews (2016), and is a regular speaker at the London Business School. He has worked with many Fortune 50 companies on D&I programs and talent engagement strategies and has also authored a white paper for the UK Government on tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in engineering. Mark is a Chartered Engineer (IChemE) by training with a focus on health and safety, having worked at KBR Inc (2013-2017) and ERM (2012-2013) before pursuing his work in diversity. He also holds a doctorate (PhD) in chemical engineering at Imperial College London (2009-2013).
Awards & Accolades
- Winner 2016 "Corporate Rising Star" British LGBT Awards
- #2 in 2015 Financial Times Future LGBT Leaders list (#6 2016)
- Shortlisted, "Young Chemical Engineer in Industry", 2016 IChemE Global Awards
- InterEngineering, "Highly Commended" at 2015 Inclusive Networks Awards
- InterEngineering, Shortlisted for "LGBT Community Group of the Year", 2016 National Diversity Awards
- InterEngineering, Shortlisted "Corporate Equality Award", 2016 PinkNews Awards