The Manufacturing Technology Centre's Tilly Shilling Initiative is hosting a series of virtual webinars to promote diversity and inclusivity in engineering and manufacturing.
The series of seven webinars, run in conjunction with Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, aims to encourage diversity, inclusion and family balance in STEM and the engineering community.
The MTC's Tilly Shilling Initiative was established to promote engineering and other STEM professions within industry. This is delivered through STEM-themed workshops and events, and by supporting diversity and inclusivity in the STEM community.
The hour-long events include presentations, panel discussions and live question and answer sessions. The pre-registered events are also recorded for future dissemination.
The first event discussed the importance of LGBT+ diversity in the engineering and manufacturing workplace and is available to view on demand. The second event on June 23 will discuss the role of women in engineering, with other events covering employability, neurodiversity, the role of parents and racial diversity as well as authenticity in the workplace.
The events are aimed at anyone with an interest in working in engineering, school, university and college leavers, non-engineering professionals, employers and parents.
MTC HR director Vicki Sanderson said, "The aim of these events is to embrace and inspire young talent regardless of where it comes from. We can offer knowledge, experience and expertise from those in the industry which can enable people to enjoy successful careers within engineering. The events provide an opportunity to inspire a broader audience, learn about best practice and see diversity succeed."
She added, "Future applicants and parents can learn more about apprenticeships, local opportunities and how diversity is welcome at the MTC and OAS. Encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into engineering doesn't just benefit them. It benefits engineering as a whole and the UK economy. Given the knowledge and faith in their abilities, engineers from a wide range of backgrounds are achieving wonderful things."
More information about the series of webinars can be obtained by contacting the Tilly Shilling Initiative lead - [email protected], or MTC STEM the Gap coordinator [email protected].
The Tilly Shilling Initiative was named after Beatrice (Tilly) Shilling OBE, who was a British aeronautical engineer and motor racer. During the Second World War, she invented an aircraft engine device that restricted fuel flow to the carburettor. This helped prevent engine stall in the Rolls-Royce Merlin engines of the Hurricane and Spitfire fighters, which could lose power or even cut out completely during certain dogfight manoeuvres..
She raced motorbikes at Goodwood in the 1930s, and, after the war, raced cars. She died in 1990, aged 81.
The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers.
The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.
Pictured: Members of the MTC's Tilly Shilling Initiative who have organised the STEM webinar series
Further information: Sarah Gilmour, Manufacturing Technology Centre, tel 02476 647399.
Issued on behalf of the Manufacturing Technology Centre by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd., 01543 490932