Anyone Can Engineer: Inspiring the Next Generation

Anyone Can Engineer is a student-led project which began at the start of 2020 to address the inequalities and misconceptions of the engineering industry through engaging young people with engineering related activities. We began working after attending a SELA workshop on, “Finding A Career you Love” by Lisa Cox from Life Compass Consulting. 

Engineering Graduates for Industry: Rethinking our Approach to Skills Gaps, Context and Partnership

Jack Trethewey, Cohort 2018

It has been widely reported that graduates possess a noticeable skills gap upon embarking on their careers. In fact in 2018, Bloomberg created a study in which 200 senior-level corporate/academia-based individuals were asked for their opinions on four primary themes amongst students: preparedness, skills, collaboration and planning. It was found that as little as 35% of these individuals believed that students were well prepared with an array of soft and hard skills that they could effectively apply in their careers [1].

U Calm

Matthew Bate, Cohort 2018

There has arguably never been a time where such a light has shone on the challenges students face in managing and striving to meet their academic targets but also, in striving to stay happy, stay well and stay rested. Students around the country are looking for ways to support their wellbeing which is exactly why SELA Cohort 2018 graduate Matthew Bate is currently developing a first of its kind, entirely student-focused health and wellbeing service, U Calm.

How SELA has taught me more about my field of engineering

Mathew Boland, Cohort 2019

As a mechanical engineer, I have been lucky enough to enjoy a varied and interesting course. I’ve experienced everything from electronics to thermodynamics and material science, as well a boatload of physical mechanics. A lot of my experience as an undergraduate engineer has centred on equations and learning how to use them in an individual exam environment. These are really important skills, and help build the kind of understanding that is essential for modern engineers, but the focus is heavily on the theory. At Sheffield, I have been a part of some fantastic group work modules that focus on more than just the theory, on soft skills such as team work. However, it has been my time at SELA which has really reinforced my team working abilities.

Equality in STEM launch event

Ella Leatt, Cohort 2019         
     

After the challenges and experiences I have faced as a female engineering student, I feel extremely passionate about the encouragement of female students in pursuing careers in STEM, which is why when given the opportunity to attend the launch of the Equality in STEM Network, I was thrilled to attend.

SELA member ‘one of the most inspiring young people making manufacturing smarter’

We are delighted to share the news that Sam Maxwell, SELA Cohort 2018 member, has been recognised on the list of the most inspiring young people making manufacturing smarter, by The Manufacturer and KTN for national apprenticeship week 2021. 

Sam recognises that his recognition is underpinned by learning from SELA, where he has developed professional skills such as presenting, communication, team working and flexibility. Such skills making a huge difference when working on summer placements, and gave him the confidence to, ‘tackle difficult engineering projects, communicate my ideas to a wide audience and embrace new challenges.’

Celebrating Women in Engineering on International Women’s Day

Today is the 46th celebration of International Women’s day, and every year the day has a different theme, with this year's being ‘women in leadership’, and so it is fitting that we have interviewed a woman who is just that, SELA Cohort 2016 graduate Hemanshi Galaiya.

As well as her commitment to SELA, Hemanshi was also President of the Women in Engineering Society at the University of Sheffield, and she has continued to achieve highlight as an inspiring young leader in Kenya. Drawing on her learning from SELA, Hemanshi was inspired to create the change she wanted to see in the world.