The Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK) celebrates its 10th year Anniversary with a gala event in London to recognize the impact AFBE-UK has made on the engineering landscape in the last ten years.
AFBE-UK promotes higher achievements in education and engineering careers among people from black and minority ethnicity (BME) backgrounds across the United Kingdom. The organization promotes diversity through programs and activities which are led by exceptional professionals in the Engineering industry, and are designed to bring about meaningful change, sustainable growth and a lasting positive impact to the UK. Since its launch in 2007 AFBE-UK’ outreach programs have reached over 6000 BME individuals across the UK. The Association not only offers networking, mentoring, educational resources and opportunities but it also provides access to jobs across the country.
The UK has a long standing history of engineering achievement and yet BME communities are underrepresented across the sector. The proportion of UK citizens from ethnic minority communities is projected to reach between 20%-30% by 2050 but only 6% of UK engineers are from BME backgrounds, although an average of 25% of engineering university graduates are from BME backgrounds.
What makes this issue even more concerning is that the UK engineering sector is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals. It is this level of success and the tangible outcomes achieved which makes the Gala event which will take place on November 2nd, 2017 at The IET Savoy Place so important. The AFBE-UK gala is a premier networking event for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals, high achieving students of ethnic minority backgrounds, individuals and organizations promoting STEM careers.
“The cradle to the grave approach employed by AFBE-UK has seen many young people from secondary schools to graduates from diverse backgrounds, study and secure employment in engineering as a direct result of engaging with AFBE-UK. We want to celebrate these achievements while looking to a future where AFBE-UK continues to bridge the skills gap in the Engineering industry by broadening the talent pool.” Nike Folayan, Chair of AFBE-UK.
The event will begin with a networking reception where guests will be welcomed to a drinks reception with a variety of multicultural entertainment. The keynote address will be undertaken by Tom Illube ranked No1 in the 2017 Power list of the UK’s most influential Black Britons. Another highlight of the evening will be the public recognition of the winners of the 10th Anniversary AFBE-UK Awards recognizing individuals and organizations who are making a significant contribution to the engineering industry. The Awards include; Innovation award, The Company recognition award, The Outstanding Mentor Award, and the Appreciation Award.
This event will be a marker for the continued efforts and strides that are being made by the AFBE to make an impact for diversity and inclusion.
For more information including purchasing tickets, click here.
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