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AFBE Scotland and Balfour Beatty Inspire Future Engineers
The Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE) in Scotland has recently partnered with Balfour Beatty to deliver an accredited online programme aimed at inspiring and encouraging young people from Black and minority groups to consider careers in construction and engineering.
This innovative online programme was promoted and made available to all schools across Scotland, targeting 14–18-year-olds with the goal of engaging underrepresented groups. From September to December 2023, pupils completed construction research challenges and engaged with live broadcasts featuring industry experts.
AFBE Scotland promoted the opportunity across their member network, and eight young people successfully completed the full programme. Their work was accredited by the Engineering Development Trust, achieving Gold Industrial Cadet certification. In total, the programme supported pupils across Scotland to complete 500 learning hours with 106 assignments submitted throughout its duration.
Staff leading the programme met with two pupils from Cults Academy in Aberdeen, Saanvi Kumar and Aasiyah Lawal, to present them with their Gold Industrial Cadet certifications.
Dr. Urenna Adegbotolu at AFBE Scotland said: "This program has proven to be immensely valuable, benefiting numerous students by exposing them to career opportunities in the STEM field, especially with an esteemed organisation like Balfour Beatty. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on this project and anticipate more fruitful endeavours ahead, as we strive to further raise awareness of STEM opportunities and grow participation from underrepresented groups."
John Cairns, Social Impact Lead at Balfour Beatty, said: “It was a pleasure to work with AFBE Scotland to develop and deliver our virtual work experience programme, engaging young people from diverse backgrounds to promote the plethora of fantastic career opportunities available within our industry. Initiatives like these are pivotal in shaping the future of the construction and infrastructure sector, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM professionals.”
Julie Feest, CEO of EDT & Industrial Cadets, said: “We are delighted to be working with Balfour Beatty accrediting their excellent programme with Industrial Cadets. Industrial Cadets is a widely recognised, employer-defined accredited awards scheme, increasing diversity and inspiring young people through industry-based experiences to become part of the workforce of the future. For these young people celebrating in Aberdeen today, they will be able to save their Awards alongside their qualifications to show skills for their first job, and we encourage them to consider gaining other Awards as well to continue on their pathway to employment.”
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