Developing the diverse workforce of the future for engineering and technology

LJMU welcomed the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to Liverpool this week for a series of events, across two days, aimed at driving forwards diversity and inclusion in engineering and technology skills, and how the Higher Education sector can play a key role in this.

The Liverpool-based discussions formed part of IEEE Week (30 September to 4 October) with other meetings taking place in London and Dublin to mark the 140^th anniversary of the institute which is the world’s largest technical professional organisation dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

IEEE members from around the globe gathered in Liverpool alongside representatives of the IEEE UK and Ireland Women in Engineering affinity group, chaired by Dr Princy Johnson a Reader in Sensors and Data at LJMU, who led on bringing the events to LJMU.

Together members and key stakeholders from across the university addressed the current skills gap in the industry and looked at the pathways for engineers to acquire the right skills and knowledge for the future, setting out why diversity of not only people groups, but also skills and gender balance is essential for a productive and forward-thinking workplace.

Developing our young generations from diverse backgrounds with suitable skills for the future engineering and technology workforce is imperative for a progressive society.

Dr Princy Johnson

Dr Tom Coughlin, IEEE President, was one of the international representatives at the events and spoke about the considerations for the future of technical education, stressing the importance of adopting adaptable mindsets and undertaking lifelong learning for the next generation of technologists to be able to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engineering, Health, Science and Technology, Professor Raphaela Kane, and Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Christian Matthews, along with Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Professor Keith George, from LJMU all took part in the events, bringing together key stakeholders from across the university and neighbouring University of Liverpool, industry, government and accreditation bodies to start the conversation on developing the diverse workforce of the future and considering next steps in a shared goal to lead the way for diversity and inclusion in engineering and technology skills in the North West and beyond.

Despite the social and economic challenges across the Liverpool City Region, we have many strengths we can be proud of including a powerful, devolved government, graduates who choose to stay here and a shared vision between the universities.

For example, we’re partnering with the University of Liverpool to jointly host a fantastic week of public events next September as we bring the British Science Festival to Liverpool.

This is exactly the type of activity outside of our teaching, research and knowledge exchange work that will reach a wide audience and provide a pathway for our diverse communities to engage with science, technology and innovation.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Professor Keith George

Other speakers at the events included Professor Paul Cunningham, IEEE UK and Ireland Section Chair, Paul Tallon, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Network Manager at LYVA Labs, Anthony Walker, Strategic Manager for the Horizons project at LJMU and Dan Howard from LifeSciences UTC.

Alongside discussions about issues, challenges, the current picture and plans moving forwards, attendees were able to visit LJMU’s stat-of-the-art engineering and technology labs for a series of demonstrations including a tour of the university’s smart homes with sensors, virtual education truck, wind tunnel and maritime ship simulation suite.