Inclusion is widely recognised as something to focus on, in order to improve the attraction and increase the retention of people within the engineering sector. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Entrepreneurship and Start-up for Engineers (EASE) programme recognises those working in the sector who are inclusive, supporting and welcoming of people from all backgrounds, ensuring everyone is heard, listened to, and respected.

Targeting women, and those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, the EASE programme enables under-represented groups to access engineering opportunities and career pathways. The UCLan EASE brings together business partners, subject-matter experts, academics, and students (from a mix of engineering courses), to participate in employer challenges, business start-up workshops, expert-led masterclasses, site visits and networking to increase employability outcomes and celebrate successes.

Bev Wood, Business Development Lead at UCLAN and Owner of BWD Ltd, commented, “At UCLAN we like our students to apply their skills and academic learning to real life projects. BWD regularly involve the students in our projects and brought the students in to help with our recent Liverpool John Lennon Airport.  They have helped inform the digital content for our Interactive Visitor Information provision at the airport. BWD approached the academic lead for International Tourism Management who recommended a cohort of her students to take part. “It was fantastic to have the students involved in undertaking passenger exit surveys to capture the needs of inbound visitors.”

“Having worked in this design for manufacturing sector for many years, it has often seen as a male oriented sector, but we’re proving that whether you are a designer or engineer job opportunities are accessible to all” Bev has found it very inspiring working with the UCLan engineering students on the EASE programme.

In collaboration with University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) School of Engineering, the University’s Careers Service, external business organisations and external speakers, the UCLan Student Enterprise Hub team delivered this programme over six semesters and to 150 students from diverse backgrounds.  Using creative and Design Thinking methods, to encourage engineers to explore real-world challenges.

The UCLan EASE programme, which secured funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering and UCLan School of Engineering has now received the recognition of Engineering Talent Awards 2024 as ‘Inclusion Programme of the Year 2024’ Winners.

UCLan and BWD continue to inspire, support and encourage young people, from all backgrounds, to apply their skills to real business challenges.