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Diversity needed in engineering
A young apprentice at a Birmingham engineering consultant has called for more females and ethnic minority people to step forward and join the team building HS2. Jasmine Ewers, 20, who is
an apprentice at WSP, is working on projects including HS2 and East West Rail from the firm’s new Midlands headquarters at The Mailbox, said she had already noticed the lack of diversity among engineering trainees. She said: “As a young black
female just starting out in my career at WSP, I have noticed the lack of BAMEs (black, Asian and minority ethnic) and BAME females. “I strongly encourage other
young BAMEs and females to join the field of engineering. “Technology is constantly
evolving, in order to create the best future we need different types of people from diverse backgrounds who will bring creative solutions to many of the world’s problems. “I hope to be an
ambassador and inspire other young BAME’s to choose an engineering career.” Jasmine joined WSP in
September and is working at the firm four days a week, as well as doing one day at Coventry University, studying civil engineering. She was inspired to take up engineering as a career after attending an event at the National College for High Speed Rail, and is now working on the HS2 Phase 2B project, producing road safety audits and maintenance access and crossings drawings using CAD software. • WSP has moved 700 staff into its new Birmingham headquarters, following a £7m refurbishment. Malcolm Davidson, director
at WSP, said: “This move is a key milestone for WSP, one that highlights our commitment to Birmingham and the Midlands.”
In the midst of skills blight in the West Midlands, South and City College is looking to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships to both employers and students. South and City College say that
it is looking to support 600 more apprentices this academic year, on top of the 900 apprentices already with the college.
‘Learning and working through an apprenticeship was an ideal situation’
Two Greater Birmingham
Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) staff members have already enjoyed the fruits of their apprenticeships with the college, Waqar Mohammad and Dan Joyce. Mr Mohammad studied a Level 2
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Business Administration. Mr Mohammad, Growth Hub
marketing coordinator at GBCC, said that he gained confidence and initiative during his apprenticeship. He said: “I was able to gain
recognised qualifications and adapt my learning at college into real practical work at my workplace.
“I gained confidence, the ability
to use my initiative and become a growing professional in the business world.” Mr Joyce, group relationship manager at GBCC, completed a Level 2 NVQ in Business Admin and Level 3 in NVQ Customer Service during his time as an apprentice. He said: “I wanted to get hands-
on experience and get straight into work, so learning and working through an apprenticeship was an ideal situation for me. Overall, my apprenticeship and the support I
had from South and City College provided me with the tools and confidence to make an impact through my work at the Chamber.” Rebecca Waterfield, head of
employer engagement at South and City College, said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way to both attract new talent into your organisation and develop your existing staff into new job roles. “By recruiting new employees
through an apprenticeship you are able to grow your own talent with the support of the college.”
Aston students bank on Santander
Santander Universities has renewed its support for Aston University’s work helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds get in to university, with the signing of a three-year partnership worth £150,000. The funding will be used by Aston to provide further
support for students from challenging backgrounds who are interested in university, as well as enabling them to have an international mobility experience such as a placement abroad, helping to enhance their employability and global acumen. The partnership forms part of Santander Universities’
strategy, which focuses on three core themes: education, entrepreneurship and employability with a strong emphasis on social mobility in each. The funding will go towards activities aimed at
New partnership: Matt Nutnell (left), director of Santander Universities, with Alec Cameron, vice- chancellor of Aston University
30 CHAMBERLINK December 2018/January 2019
contributing to these themes. Additionally, this year the university received an extra £25,000 to help small and medium-sized businesses in the West Midlands take on interns from the university. Aston was also awarded a grant of £50,000 as part
of the Santander Universities Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Fund.
Contact: Henrietta Brealey T: 0121 607 1898
Chamber staff enjoy the fruits of their apprenticeships
Apprentice success: Waqar (left) and Dan
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