9 Diversity in engineering Employers take away “a plan of action” from IET conference For current engineers and employers, the IET held a one- day conference, giving them the opportunity to address key issues related to gender diversity in the workplace. The Women in Engineering conference in June included panel discussions on matters like the STEM gender pay gap, as well as 12 workshops on challenging issues such as unconscious bias, structural industry barriers and the role of men as allies. The interactive nature of the event enabled a lot of contribution from IET members and engineering and technology employers. “The event was really inspiring and helpful to companies,” said Yolanda Carrillo Padilla, Materials Engineer at Rolls-Royce. “It allowed them to come together, share ideas and go away with a plan of action.” Attendees heard about the drive by employers to widen their talent pool, to meet the need to fill thousands of engineering jobs every year with skilled employees. Mark Lomas, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the HS2 project said: “It’s very important to have days like today; spreading best practice is the best way to improve things in the industry.” One of the other key issues discussed at the event was what employers can do to create an inclusive workplace culture. Fiona Jackson, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Employer Branding at EDF Energy commented on recent research highlighting that employers need to be more aware of inclusion privilege. “If someone feels more included in an organisation, they don’t recognise that other people feel less included,” she noted. While the event highlighted some real success stories, it also shone light on some of the continuing challenges that all stakeholders face. The next event in this series, Engineering Diversity & Inclusion, will be held on 8-9 November in London. For more information, please visit: www.theiet.org/diversity Ozak Esu: smashing stereotypes of engineers in “dirty clothes” Ozak Esu is an Electrical Engineer at multi-disciplinary consultancy Cundall and the 2017 IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year – which has provided her with some fantastic opportunities to inspire young people and change their perceptions of engineering. Some of her favourite moments include attending the FIRST ® LEGO® League finals, a global robotics competition which the IET is the UK and Ireland partner for, and speaking at local schools. One talk she gave stemmed from a child wanting to dress up as an engineer for the day and being told to wear “dirty clothes”. As a result of this misperception, Ozak was invited to the school to talk to the children about her engineering experience and encourage them to view STEM careers as more than just a series of outdated stereotypes. “Children aged 7-14 years old are at such a crucial influential phase,” she said. “So this event and others like it were amazing opportunities for me to do the things I love, while inspiring the next generation. It really feels like you’re making an impact.” After a whirlwind year, Ozak is very emotional and excited to hand over to the 2018 winner. She said: “Winning this award really did transform my career. I’m looking forward to continuing to engage in exciting projects like these to promote engineering and inspire children internationally.” She also plans to finish her Chartered Engineer application and take on projects which broaden her expertise in wider fields such as agriculture, energy and waste management. The IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 6 December 2018 at IET London: Savoy Place, featuring a range of inspirational speakers, exhibits, and of course – the 2018 winners! It is free to attend but spaces go fast – secure yours now at www.theiet.org/ywe Dr Ozak Esu MIET November 2018 – Member News www.theiet.org/member-news