b'14 Partner News Spring 2021AcademicEngineers of the futureBy Professor Jess Power and Dr Alison Griffiths.According to leading figures, engineers2019). Therefore, there are some key are bright, dynamic forward thinkers.questions which are vital to support Risk takers that can connect acrossthe pipeline of future engineers many disciplines and work in challengingAt Staffordshire University, environments of uncertainty to problemhow do we attract youngsters intowe have embraced Creative solve. Engineering is at the core of societypursuing careers in this vibrant sector? and our community, working towardshow do we provide opportunitiesBranding within the higher solutions for todays and tomorrowsto connect students with theeducation experience to give global challenges. But its faced with acommunity they will serve, once theyour engineering students number of challenges of its own: lackhave made this choice? (Networks of diversity (women, BAME), attractingfor engineers are critical)the opportunity to network young dynamic individuals from lowerhow do educators develop the skill setwith key community social-economic backgrounds, and therequired to cut across and integrate stereotype of the typical engineer. with non-engineering disciplines in astakeholders, whilst working meaningful way in order to maximisein interdisciplinary teamsSo, whats the real picture? Engineeringimpact and future opportunities?in 2021 is vibrant, energetic and cutting-with non-engineering edge, offering a plethora of opportunitiesAt Staffordshire University, we havedisciplines and different for those with an entrepreneurial mind-setembraced Creative Branding within theyear groups.who want to challenge the norm and pushhigher education experience to give our boundaries. Those already in the professionengineering students the opportunity to speak passionately about the rewards network with key community stakeholders, of their career and the diversity whilst working in interdisciplinary teams of opportunities. In a recent report with non-engineering disciplines and Dr Hayaatun Sillem, Chief Executive ofdifferent year groups. This extends the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:opportunities to build: lifelong networks, Engineers play a profoundly importantcommunities of learning, advanced skill sets role in shaping the world around us and enables teamwork in a competitive from designing our cities and transportenvironment to co-create, problem solve systems, to delivering clean energyand more importantly play, to discover, solutions, enhancing cybersecurity andinvent and grow into the rounded advancing healthcare. (EngineeringUK,Professional that the discipline requires.'