University of Salford launches a Women in Engineering Mentor Programme with key industry support

Encouraging females to enter roles that have been traditionally dominated by males is pivotal to addressing diversity imbalances, and ‘Go Beyond’  is a new women in engineering mentoring programme that will help students confidently step into this sector.

The scheme will connect female students who are in their final year of study to industry professionals supported by the University’s alumni and in collaboration with industry partner Morson Group. The mentor will assist and support female students to plan their career, provide them with real-life insight into the sector as well as encouraging them to go for their dream job in engineering.  Dr Maria Stukoff, Director of the Morson Maker Space at the University, who set up the ‘Go Beyond’ programme said: “ We welcomed a phenomenal number of industry mentors from within our alumni network and are delighted to benefit from the engineering experts across the Morson Group. In partnership, we will be working towards developing a talent pipeline for the next generation of women in engineering.”

Sam Price, Head of Client Engagement at the Morson Group said: “Our partnership with The University of Salford is a pivotal component in addressing skills shortages and the diversity imbalances of the industries we serve. The concept of ‘seeing is believing’ is extremely powerful, with women more likely to choose careers when they’re exposed to scenarios that they can imagine themselves in and to relate to real industry role models. Go Beyond supports our ambition to improve role model access and visibility.

“On a personal level, I’m thrilled to begin mentoring as part of this scheme and I hope I can share invaluable insights with my mentee that will help her to achieve her ambitions. I’m sure that I’ll also learn a lot in the process too.”

Salford Alumna mentor Vicky Stewart, Associate Acoustic Consultant and National STEM Coordinator at Atkins said: “I graduated from the University of Salford in 2003, after completing my degree in Audio Technology. The level of support that I have received from Salford, not only when I was studying, but throughout my career has been fantastic! In fact, Salford arranged for me to do a placement year at Atkins, and I am still there today. I loved my time at Salford and am thrilled to have this opportunity to give back and help to nurture and grow the talent of future graduates.”

The University of Salford works closely with its  alumni network to create opportunities for students, with this latest initiative connecting students with graduate role models. The University has a long-standing established relationship with The Morson Group and the launch of the scheme allows both organisations to draw on one of their common goals, to foster pathways for women entering engineering and make  it inclusive for all.