ECITB Innov8 Group

Chinwe Odili (Chair)

Offshore Structural Engineer, Kent

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I was interested in the opportunity to make a real impact on the energy sector and ECITB ‘s approach to targeting industry wide challenges appealed to me.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“One of earliest campaigns Innov8 were involved in, was a video compilation on the subject of inclusion during inclusion week. It was wonderful to see the feedback and traction we gained based on our different perspectives. It definitely set the tone for engagement on equality, diversity and inclusion and ushered several internal prospects for me.

The first of which was the opportunity to speak on an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) panel about my thoughts on a Skills Commission Report launched in 2021. Being able to voice my opinion on the advice and guidance offered in my personal career trajectory was a rewarding experience. There was added value in receiving positive feedback from Members of Parliament and the ECITB stakeholders themselves, who took a vested interest in many of my recommendations and the lived experiences I recounted of others who thought the careers, information and guidance system in the UK should be examined in view of the imminent Spending Review.

It didn’t stop there! ECITB arranged for me to be featured in the ‘Black History Month’ Magazine in the UK in 2022. I shed light on my career and inspired other black professionals to enter into the exciting world of STEM.

I was interviewed for a podcast by Dr Shini Somara, a brilliant STEM pioneer and author. I wholesomely appreciated the discussion we had on ED&I and representation in the industry. All of which has enabled me to take on additional steps and become a mentor to others looking to pave their way into this industry. By implication, I am fortunate that ECITB have provided many spaces for myself to share my career trajectory with grads and apprentices in workshops during grad weeks and fairs. This has certainly made me appreciate my journey all the more.

As the current Chair of the group, I can only hope that we will strongly continue in our mission to support the development, attraction and retention of other individuals in the future!”

What are you working on at the moment?

“I am currently working on a publication with the group which will hopefully give the public an oversight on the issues we have been addressing since Innov8’s infancy.

I am also looking forward to seeing our relationship with Engineers Without Borders develop this season as we take on more volunteering opportunities to help schools in both local and global communities.”

Cailey Miller

Mechanical Designer, Nuvia UK

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“To get involved in some of the exciting activities undertaken by the group, with the hopes of engaging and inspiring the next generation of engineers.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“After completing my apprenticeship at NUVIA UK, I was nominated for and won the ECITB Apprentice of the Year Award 2022. Following this, my organisation was approached by the ECITB to ask if I wanted to join ECITB Innov8 group.”

Have you written or contributed to any blogs, articles or podcasts?

“Yes. I worked with the ECITB on a case study for National Apprentice Week 2023 which highlighted the benefits of apprenticeships and detailed my experiences so far in the industry.

In 2022 I worked with the IET on a case study centred around my experiences so far and why I chose to become an Engineer, as well as some of the interesting projects I have had the chance to work on in the Nuclear Industry.”

Cameron Miller

Operations & Maintenance Engineer, Wood

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I was impressed with the ECITB’s approach to get younger generations feedback on the biggest issues facing the engineering sector, to be part of the solution and to share my ideas.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“In Summer 2023 I ran a Tough Mudder with other Innov8 members, raising £1,600 for Mind.

In 2022 I was part of a collaborative event between the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT+) and Innov8. Representatives from Innov8 gave a presentation on the skills needed for Net Zero.”

Connor Gammie

Project Engineer, Shell

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I wanted to be part of a group that targeted the challenges the industry faces, and work with a team towards a solution.

The opportunity to join innov8 came across my desk and was exactly what I was after.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“I was elected by my peers as the first Chair of the group when it started. I was in this role for two years and was able to steer the group through its infancy and early successes.

During my time as a member I have participated in an ED&I survey in collaboration with the IDEA Taskforce, a takeover of the ECITB social media platforms for it’s first ED&I campaign, a Gender Balance in Engineering Event and a Net Zero PM presentation at the ECITB Project Management Conference. The opportunities to participate in wider ECI activities have been extensive.

All of these events were for the purpose of research and info sharing, and I think taking part really broadened my knowledge and understanding of some of the challenges faced by our industry. The impact was of course positive and helped shaped how I approach work and life, and hopefully had a similar impact on those who shared the experience. I think because of these, I am a more rounded individual with a drive to make a difference.”

Dan Sanders

Quality and Cost Control ManagerQuality and Cost Control Manager, adi Projects Ltd ·

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I am extremely passionate about apprenticeships and the innov8 team is the perfect opportunity for me to put forward my ideas around how we can create a more diverse, passionate and innovative cohort of engineers in the future to allow the UK industry to continue to compete globally.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“I was a main stage panellist at The Big Bang Fair in 2022. This was an opportunity to present to young students the benefits of doing an engineering apprenticeship, allowing them to ask questions and gain an insight into how the apprenticeship route can benefit them.

I participated in the social media takeover for the ECITB Inclusion Campaign in 2021 which was an opportunity to answer questions around inclusion from the perspective of a new entrant into the engineering industry and describe to employers and employees the benefits of an inclusive workplace.

I participated in a Tough Mudder charity run in summer 2023 with some other Innov8 members. This was a great event where we challenged ourselves and raised over £1,600 for Mind UK.

Various presentations to schools and colleges about my career to date and how I got into an engineering apprenticeship/the benefits of doing so – this allows potential future candidates to ask any questions they might have about undertaking a career in the engineering industry and gain an insight into the best route for them.”

Deepthi Gopal

Project Engineer, EnerMech

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I wanted to interact with more young engineers on the same journey as me.”

Erin Devaney

Project Engineer, TechnipFMC

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I joined Innov8 in 2020 as a new graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a very isolating time, working from home the Innov8 group was an opportunity to engage with other young individuals in the energy industry in an inspiring and motivational forum.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“I was involved in the Diversity and Inclusion week, where we launched a video campaign highlighting the importance on not only creating a diverse workforce, but also making it an inclusive environment once a diverse group has been achieved.

For me, it had a positive impact on my day-to-day role. In my own role I have often highlighted the importance of how the job doesn’t end once you have brought a diverse team together. In order to get the most out of a diverse team, it must be an environment that is inclusive to all who is in it. This is something I wasn’t consciously aware of prior to diversity and inclusion week. There is a large drive to encourage more females to start a career in the engineering industry, but there must also be healthy discussions on how females integrate into a heavily male dominated industry, especially in an offshore environment.

In an offshore environment it is greatly important to have diverse minds to be able to execute a job safely and efficiently. With that there is a huge importance of ensuring the environment is inclusive for people to feel their opinion is valued and encouraged to get the best out of the team. I am lucky that I feel there are lots of opportunities and processes in place within my company to be able to voice any concerns or ideas and to be taken seriously by all in the room.”

What events have you taken part in representing Innov8, your organisation and the wider ECI?

“I am currently working on a blog piece on my experience of being a female in engineering, particularly in the offshore environment with a focus on the challenges I see now and for the future. I hope this piece will give a clearer picture of the life of a female engineer offshore and empower young females to give it a try.

I am keen to get involved in more in person events and workshops to build the relationships within the Innov8 team and to make more awareness of the positive work the Innov8 team is doing for future engineers in the energy industry.”

Eve Dewhurst

Business Management Graduate, Dounreay

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“The opportunity was presented to me to join Innov8 through the Development Scheme at work, and it sounded like something I could bring a lot of value to. I also saw it as a great way to network with other like minded individuals in the industry.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“I have only been involved in Innov8 for a few months but at the first meeting it was apparent the successful work that had already been done by the team. I am really looking forward to getting the opportunity to get involved with some of the amazing projects in the pipeline.”

Have you written or contributed to any blogs, articles or podcasts?

“I recently wrote a piece for the NDA Group HR Newsletter about Graduate Assessment Centres and how learning from experience is important when organising these types of recruitment drives. In the post I discussed the difference between being an applicant (in 2022) to then organising (2023) and the analysis of this difference lead to several changes in the future for how Dounreay conduct their assessment centres. The focus on these changes were around inclusivity and ensuring that our assessment centre works for everyone involved.”

Fergus Mitchell

Senior Project Engineer, Petrofac

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I came through an ECITB apprenticeship program, with the support from the ECITB it allowed to take a different path into industry which suited my style of learning. I want to give back to the ECITB by making a positive impact on how young, talented people get into industry and helping them by giving advice through various mediums that Innov8 produce.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“During my time as a member I have participated in an ED&I survey in collaboration with the IDEA Taskforce, a takeover of the ECITB social media platforms for it’s first ED&I campaign and a Net Zero PM presentation at the ECITB Project Management Conference.“

Jamie Owen

Apprentice Electrician, Engenda Group

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“When I started out with the innov8 group, I hoped the group would give me exposure to new ideas and bring me a chance to meet some great people, committed to making positive changes in the ECI. It’s gone above and beyond!

I think it’s all too easy to dismiss what apprentices and graduates have to say, so with a platform like Innov8, it gives us a voice.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“Our Innov8 fundraiser in summer 2023 was a highlight for me. A team of us took part in the Manchester 10Km Tough Mudder to raise funds for MIND. With the support of the rest of Innov8 and a generous collection of others, we managed to raise over £1,600 in total for a brilliant and well-deserving cause. We pushed through mud, water, and sludge (and lightening to top it off) and had an amazing time.”

What events have you taken part in representing Innov8, your organisation and the wider ECI?

“I was a speaker on a webinar for National Apprenticeship Week in 2023 which gave me the opportunity to engage with over 600 potential apprentices. As an apprentice myself I found this hugely valuable and I hope to get involved with national apprenticeship week again next year. It can seem like school and full time employment are worlds apart, and I know from my own beginnings how daunting it can feel when starting work. If my own honest accounts could ease a new starts’ uncertainty about their work, then I’m more than happy to share them.”

Kyle Marshall

Instrumentation & Control Engineer, Worley

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I joined Innov8 as it provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds within the Engineering Construction Industry. I specifically want to help devise strategies that will not only nurture new talent but also retain skilled individuals across the industry’s wide-ranging sectors.”

What have been some of the highlights so far?

“My involvement in Innov8 has presented incredible opportunities to participate in awards ceremonies, webinars, and recordings that have left a lasting impact. Participating in webinars allowed me to share insights and best practices with a broader audience, promoting knowledge exchange and industry-wide learning. These engagements resulted in a positive ripple effect, as more professionals and future professionals benefited from the shared experiences. Personally, these experiences enriched my public speaking skills, expanded my professional network, and reinforced the importance of industry collaboration for sustained success.”

What events have you taken part in representing Innov8, your organisation and the wider ECI?

“I was invited to attend the ECI Training & Development Awards Ceremonies in 2021 and 2022.

I was part of an ECITB / Innov8 delegation that visited the Palace of Westminster hosted by the Industry and Parliament Trust.

During National Apprenticeship Week 2023 I was a presenter for a webinar which attracted over 600 viewers.

I was also able to co-present a webinar during the Festival of Apprenticeships in 2022.”

Lauriann Williams

Civil Engineer, RB Plant

Why did you choose to join Innov8?

“I joined Innov8 to network with like minded individuals who are looking to see positive shifts within their respective fields. To connect with different people and hear their views on important topics that impact us in our career journeys.

What events have you taken part in representing Innov8, your organisation and the wider ECI?

“I represented Innov8 and the ECI at The Big Bang Fair as a panellist in June 2023 at The NEC in Birmingham.. The event inspires the next generation with panel talks, hands-on activities, experiments and workshops.

In my spare time I play an active role in my community by promoting STEM initiatives and providing outreach in schools through Lauriann’s STEM Club. I am currently planning workshops in schools for the Autumn term focused on coding and AI.”

Have you written or contributed to any blogs, articles or podcasts?

“At the beginning of this year I was on a STEM podcast called TikoTime which is a podcast for young black girls who are building their careers in STEM.

I discussed varies topics i.e. why it’s important to continue to motivate and inspire young people to pursue STEM, how I got into Civil Engineering, career progression and more.”

Valeria Korobka

Project Engineering Manager at SLB

Why did you choose to join Innov8?
“To be part of a platform to promote engineering as a career option for the younger generation, provide insight into the opportunities available when pursuing this career path including technical and non-technical options, and to show that a career in Engineering can look very different to how it is stereotypically perceived from an outside perspective.”

What events or projects have you been part of representing Innov8, your company, or the ECI?

“I represented Innov8 at a Net Zero conference which discussed the Net Zero Skills Gap, and I have participated in a number of campaigns for INWED, & Inclusivity in the workplace.”