Ad-Vance Engineering Ltd’s Post

Fantastic day at the Institute of Student Employers EDI Conference yesterday with Amy Gallimore where we discussed a number of key EDI topics affecting early careers. Some of my key takeaways: - We discussed ways to make our recruitment processes more inclusive for candidates with disabilities rather than providing adjustments when required. Many candidates do not feel comfortable to disclose leaving them disadvantaged. - The power of storytelling and mentoring for early career professionals through both recruitment and their programme. Particularly for those from a diverse background. - The importance of intersectionality and understanding the challenges those from multiple marginalised backgrounds experience. Providing pathways through work experience, insight days, internships and mentoring programmes is so important. - The value of linking CSR and recruitment outreach activities can help address the gender parity of those seeking a career in STEM. In 2022, only 27% of STEM graduates were female. Thanks to the Institute of Student Employers for hosting the conference and to all the speakers who shared their insights! #ISEedi2024 #earlycareers #inclusion

At Fairhive, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively attract and recruit individuals with disabilities for a variety of opportunities, including full tiem roles, apprenticeships, internships, and work experience. Our Equality and Diversity Commitment, proudly displayed on all our job adverts, states: “As part of our continued commitment to our workforce accurately reflecting the community we represent, we welcome applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds and applicants who have status as an individual with a physical or mental disability, as part of our ongoing commitment to Equality and Diversity. We are a Disability Confident Leader.” Nearly 10% of our employees have a declared disability and we have put empowering steps in place to help individuals access the adjustments they need to be able to work for us and reach their potential. Here’s just a few areas we have identified as opportunities for improvement and where we can now support our employees and future candidates who may have a disability ⬇️ #DisabilityPrideMonth #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion #DisabilityConfident #Equity

Championing equality and diversity in apprenticeship recruitment is central to our mission. We're committed to supporting employers in building inclusive and representative workforces. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸.. 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧: 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Establish clear targets for diversity within your recruitment strategy. 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Use neutral language, ensure requirements are appropriate and be transparent about salary and benefits. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: Reach out to diverse talent pools and communities. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Ensure fair shortlisting and offer reasonable adjustments for interviews. #ApprenticeshipRecruitment #Equality #Diversity #Inclusion #EqualOpportunities

Continuing our focus on fostering equality and diversity in apprenticeship recruitment, here are some additional strategies: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀: Set a welcoming tone and ask relevant questions. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀: This promotes consistency and helps identify the most qualified candidates. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Equip recruiters with the tools to attract and engage a diverse pool of talent. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Help teams recognize and overcome unconscious biases. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Focus solely on skills and experience during initial stages. #ApprenticeshipRecruitment #Equality #Diversity #Inclusion #EqualOpportunities

We are delighted to feature in the House of Lords report ‘Think Work First: the transition from education to work for young disabled people’ that was published yesterday. The report highlights the employment gap for young people with disabilities and recommends improved support to transition from education to employment, supported internship pathways and help for employers through extended work placements. ThinkForward's work is highlighted in the recommendations: “The Government should work with local authorities to improve the availability of ‘ready to work’ programmes such as that provided by ThinkForward, to support young people from school until they are settled in work.” If you would like to read ThinkForward’s case study, it is on page 11: https://ow.ly/v3Va50TMoZM #YoungDisabledPeople #ThinkWorkFirst #Disabled #Education #Employment

"Sometimes, the future changes quickly and completely, and we're left with only the choice of what to do next. We can choose to be afraid of it, to stand there trembling, not moving, assuming the worst that can happen, or we can step forward into the unknown and assume it will be brilliant." The number of young women undertaking apprenticeships in the energy and engineering sector has increased by 366% in the last five years. This signifies a substantial shift in the industry, with a surge of female tradespeople reshaping its face. Universal Skills welcomes women who want to start their electrical careers daily. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to reach their career goals with us. #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2024 #womenintrades

Building Stronger Youth Employment Systems: Key Strategies for Success At TYP Collaborative, we believe in the power of effective youth employment systems to transform lives. Here are three critical strategies to ensure a comprehensive approach: 1. Effective Administrative Agents: Leadership and accountability are essential. Administrative agents must manage diverse functions, from entry points to tracking progress, ensuring youth receive the support they need every step of the way. 2. Workforce Preparation & Employer Engagement: Real-world experiences are vital. Collaborating with employers to provide internships, job shadowing, and hands-on learning opportunities bridges the gap between education and employment, preparing youth for successful careers. 3. Cross-System Collaboration: Working together is key. By leveraging resources and expertise across education, workforce, child welfare, and juvenile justice sectors, we can create a holistic support system that addresses all aspects of youth development. Let's continue to advocate for policies that support these strategies, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive in the workforce. #YouthEmployment #WorkforceDevelopment #Collaboration #PolicyChange #TypCollab

Just over a month ago, I shared my work on the Apprenticeship Toolkit that I'm working on in collaboration with WISE. Our goal is to create resources that empower employers to better engage girls and young women, encouraging them to pursue #apprenticeships in #STEM. 💡 Needless to say I've been doing lots of digging into stats, figures and reports and it has been both eye-opening and challenging, especially as we strive to inspire the next generation to see STEM as a space where they belong. 📈 Here are some stats that reinforce the current gender disparity—and why providing representation, relatable role models, and inclusive information about pathways like apprenticeships are so critical to creating change in the industry: - In the UK, 700,000 women work in manufacturing, making up just 26% of the workforce. - Women represent 70% of administrative and secretarial roles, but only 9% in skilled trades. - Only 3% of women view a career in tech as their first choice, and 1 in 3 currently working in the industry are planning to leave. - A survey from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) revealed that only 8% of young people could name a woman—past or present—who made significant contributions to STEM. - In 2022/23, just 10% of those starting a construction apprenticeship were young women. - Only 12% of girls feel that being an engineer aligns with who they are, compared to 38% of boys. These numbers are just the beginning! While there has been progress, it's clear there's still so much more to do. In a few weeks I'll be attending the Women in Manufacturing: Changing Perceptions event in Coventry, and I’m so excited to hear from the inspiring women and allies who not only champion the industry, but the women who work within it. You can't quite beat the feeling of being in a room where every individual is committed to taking action and making change for the greater good! Together, we can continue to break barriers and transform the gender makeup of STEM. 💪💪 #DiversityInSTEM #WomenInSTEM #GenderEquality #STEMEducation #Apprenticeships #WomenInManufacturing

Phenix Gateway aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing access to #career opportunities, #education, and hands-on #experience. We do this in several ways; •We provide an 11–week paid internship program that offers guidance and mentorship to neurodivergent individuals aspiring to join the workforce. Participants follow a thorough work-skills curriculum, which incorporates on-the-job training with community employer partners. •We partner with local school districts, Inland Regional Center, and the California Department of Rehabilitation to provide vocational work-experience opportunities to those with disabilities. •In conjunction with Riverside County Workforce Development - Employer Services, we partner with resource providers and businesses to provide #accessible Resource & Job Fairs to the community. •In collaboration with State Council on Developmental Disabilities we also facilitate the conversation between businesses and resource providers to tackle the issues behind inclusive employment at our bi-monthly Inland Empire Disability Employment Awareness Roundtable. And we want to do more for our #Riverside community! #Empowerment #Neurodivergent #Neuroinclusive #OpportunityForAll #EqualOpportunity