Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons Privilege Partners


Wise to get women interested in STEM


Solihull Chamber is backing a new initiative aimed at boosting the number of women who take up careers in science, engineering and technology. The Chamber has become a partner in WISE


West Midlands Hub, along with Solihull College & University Centre. The hub has been formed to address the


under representation of women in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).


‘The information about careers in engineering for women was not readily available’


Rosa Wells, college programme manager for engineering, is among those involved with the launch of the hub. She said: “Women represent 46 per cent of the UK labour force and despite girls achieving equal, and often better, grades than boys in STEM subjects women make up less than 13 per cent of the UK STEM workforce, and less than six per cent of the engineering workforce. “When looking at the factors as


to why this was the case, it was clear to those involved in WISE


that the information about careers in engineering for women was not readily available to them and they believe this is something that needs to change. “Taking this into consideration, WISE has a


main aim: provide a self-sustaining regional WISE network of committed employers and STEM role models who will partner with schools to offer pupils, parents and teachers a programme of up to date information and guidance on STEM career opportunities, pathways and training, that will lead to an increase in the numbers of young women choosing STEM careers. “With engineering employers needing


1.82 million people with engineering skills from 2012-2022, according to Engineering UK, now is an extremely crucial time to ensure that the skills gap within engineering is filled.” The hub will host events where


people can meet to discuss issues surrounding the lack of women in taking up


STEM related careers,


share success strategies and also inspire girls at local schools to think about the opportunities


Rosa Wells: encouraging more females to take up STEM careers


available for women in science and engineering, as well as forming strong links between schools, colleges, universities and STEM industries in the locality.


PM Group engineers enthusiasm


A Birmingham engineering design and project management company has been visiting Solihull schools to deliver talks and workshops as part of a drive to encourage young people to take up engineering. Bickenhill Lane-based PM Group visited Lode


Heath School, in Lode Lane, and St Peter’s Catholic School in Whitefields Road, duing the build-up to ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers Week’. ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers’ is a one-stop shop for


information and resources about engineering careers, and the organisation also runs a schools programme to help inspire the next generation of engineers, and this reached more than 200,000 young people in 2015. At Lode Heath, PM Group’s team attended a


careers evening at Lode Heath School to provide information on work experience opportunities. This was followed by a science, technology,


engineering and maths (STEM) workshop session, where pupils were tasked with constructing the tallest spaghetti tower possible, which was strong enough to hold a marshmallow on top.


Engineering challenge: the Lode Heath pupils take part in the spaghetti tower project


Dorin Mkala, PM Group’s head of HR for the


UK, said: “It is key to engage with people at a young age to provide an insight into engineering, its importance and the impact it can have on our day to day lives - in a manner they can relate to. That’s why at PM Group, we believe that engaging with schools during focuses such as ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers Week’ plays a significant part of building for the future.”


In Brief


International project delivery firm PM Group has appointed Matthew Cole as business development executive at its Birmingham office. Matthew has joined


from publishing software developer PCS, where his six years at the Midlands- based organisation saw him take on the roles of marketing officer and commercial executive. In his new position, Matthew will be


responsible for PM Group’s marketing and communications activities in the UK, as well as assisting the business development team with its proposal process. Matthew said: “I’m looking forward to the


challenge of continuing to build PM Group’s profile nationally, as well as locally through the networks and links in place with the Solihull Chamber, while also contributing to its overall growth plans in the coming years.”


A Solihull hotel managed by Valor Hospitality Europe has undergone refurbishment works to transform it in to a Crowne Plaza. The rebrand of the Holiday Inn on Homer


Road, just outside of Solihull town centre, has resulted in all 120 bedrooms at the hotel being upgraded. Matt Hutchings, general manager of the


Holiday Inn Solihull, said: “This is a really exciting time for our hotel and we’re looking forward to delivering a new Crowne Plaza hotel experience to Solihull. “The style and philosophy of the Crowne


Plaza brand will appeal to business travellers looking for somewhere well connected where they can work productively from and leave feeling rested and restored.”


Solihull recruitment company Plum Personnel has won a key contract to provide recruitment services to the NHS. As a result, the firm will be supporting


local NHS Trusts with their recruitment needs for non-medical staff from senior to junior levels in the Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire areas. Plum has successfully worked closely


with NHS Trusts across the West Midlands since 2012. The new contract will run for a period of


two years, with a possible extension of a further 12 months. Director Susie Ankrett said: “We pride


ourselves on understanding the unique pressures and challenges of recruitment within the NHS and are totally dedicated to giving value for money, quality candidates and exceptional customer care.”


February 2017 CHAMBERLINK 31


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