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Tracy Wotherspoon
Hi all,

I have been in this group for many years but the level of discussion is quite low. I think this is the case with many IET communities.


My question is how can we as a group engage more from a technical and academics level?


Engineers are in short supply indeed the company I work for is looking for 3 electronics engineers an 2 technicians we engage more


thanks
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Tracy,


    Plenty of people read the posts, though!


    Have you thought about seeking out bright, women returners who may be a bit rusty and won't, necessarily, fit a specific job profile? There are plenty of us out here.


    Jo Archer
  • 0
    hi Jo

    If you are referring to the positions all are welcome to apply via the Microchip website, look for Caldicot site.

  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Hi Tracy,


    You ask a good question. I know nothing of the IET so, in search of aspiring software programmers, we've been reaching out to Government agencies such as http://www.workways.wales/


    We've also been liasing with http://www.careerswales.com/ to give presentations at schools and colleges to let the next generation of job seekers know there is a demand for skilled engineers.


    In general, we're trying to enthuse people to pick up skills as we realise it's a long term game without a short term solution.


    There definitely needs to be more in place to encourage technical skills in South Wales. For as employers, we don't really know where to look!


    It'd be good to hear of any further ideas from others.


    Cheers,


    Steve.
  • 0
    Maybe the IET could front a careers fair activities?
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Tracy/Steve,


    There are highly-skilled, mature women out there who have taken a career break. Their needs are unique. Have you tried contacting agencies that specialise in recruiting returners? While it is obvious that anyone can apply for advertised positions, many women who have taken time out of their careers need some help and encouragement to get back up to speed. Surely it is quicker to repurpose, as it were, existing scientists and engineers than start from scratch with kids straight out of school? I, for example, have two and two half degrees behind me and I'm about ready to do something more stimulating than picking up my teenage son's smelly socks every morning!


    If you are paying the 10% apprenticeship 'levy', you can get it back if you set up apprenticeships for returners to fill jobs that they haven't already been directly trained in. Do you want some help setting one up? Certainly not a quick fix but will pay dividends over the longer term.


    Jo

    https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/boost-apprenticeship-access-for-women-to-increase-diversity/

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/685064/Returner_Programmes_-_Best_Practice_Guidance_for_Employers.pdf

    https://www.womensbusinesscouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/toolkit-Women-in-businessv.7.pdf
  • 0
    Hi Jo,

    I agree with what you have said. Recruitment agencies are a problem; rightly or wrongly we are not suposed to use them.

    I will pass your message onto our HR manager, I am sure she will be interested.

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