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Hi, we're launching a Virtual Mentor ecosystem to support employees - especially women and underrepresented groups, but all welcome - in UK Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing SMEs

Philip Marsh

I am launching our game changing VIRTUAL MENTOR ecosystem to support SMEs and the Supply Chain in UK Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing.

We already have signed collaboration and/or cooperation agreements with the 5% Club, IET, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Wales and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) in Coventry.

Our focus is on developing an always-on solution for employers and employees in SMEs to attract, develop, support and retain high potential employees - especially women and other underrepresented groups who have no access to quality mentoring, allyship and/career development - and help to reduce the national skills shortage that costs the UK so much money in unrealised production potential.

I am looking to connect with some interested SMEs in Advanced Manufacturing who would be interested in collaborating on a launch pilot to validate the thinking and approach before lainched a scaled initiative across the manfucaturing catapults.

Our solution already supports over 1,300 women engineers across 16 African countries and we want to customise affordable options for SMEs to provide to their employees as a fully outsourced and professionally managed Virtual Mentor ecosystem. 

We are very open to collaborations with interested organisations and/or investors and grant provideers to help scale the initiative across the UK and internationally.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Phil

  • Hi Phil,

    Just for clarity, can you explain who "we" are as it's not clear from this. (I assume this isn't an IET initiative?) I'm sure this would help engage potential collaborators if they were clearer who they were collaborating with.

    Thanks,

    Andy

  • in reply to Andy Millar

    Hi Andy,

    Good point and apologies.

    It is being launched by ourselves as Knowledge Mentoring (Global) Limited and it is not an IET initiative.

    However, we do have signed a Cooperation Agreeement with the IET to support structured mentoring for apprentices and graduates in areas that do not compete with or confuse the existing IET offerings and Career Mentor.

    So, it's just a member initiative and nothing offcial from the IET.

    Hope that makes it clearer and thanks for drawing it to my attention good sir.

    Best

    Phil

  • This is a very interesting and timely initiative, particularly given the skills shortages facing UK engineering and advanced manufacturing.

    I would be very interested in learning more about the Virtual Mentor ecosystem and how the proposed SME pilot could support engineering professionals, particularly around skills development, mentoring, career progression and retention.

    My background is in mechanical engineering, engineering research and technical education, with experience across energy systems, engineering design, research and laboratory development. I would be particularly interested in exploring how this initiative could support engineers and technical professionals within SMEs and contribute to strengthening the wider UK engineering talent pipeline.

    I would be happy to connect and discuss the pilot and potential areas for collaboration.

    Best regards,
    Terry Idahosa Osifo

  • in reply to Terry osifo

    Hi Terry,

    Thanks for the interest.

    I'm thinking of waiting a day or two to see if any other people are interested and then I will then set up an 'Information and Discovery' webinar to unpack the idea in a little more detail.

    We have an opportunity to secure a grant to help launch and scale the concept, but the donors want evidecne of 'industry pull' as they put it, so ideally I'm looking for find SMEs who would be happy to come on board with a few employees who we can then use as some early stage validation. The more SMEs the better.

    I'm not sure where you work, but if you work in an organisation looking to solve the challenge that SMEs have in providing quality mentoring. allyship and career guidance or professional competency development at a very low cost based on economies of scale through technology and a managed programme methodology, you are welcome to invite them to the webinar. 

    You're also welcome to share with colleagues who may have similar interewsts and/or needs.

    Best regards and look forward to chatting soon.

    Phil 

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