Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity

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Welcome to the podcast that dives into the fascinating world of skills, innovation, and the future of engineering and manufacturing.   Hosted by broadcaster and qualified engineer, Steph McGovern, each episode brings insightful conversations with industry leaders, game-changers, and those shaping the skills landscape.   Get in touch with the pod team at sospod@enginuity.org to share your ideas, comments or let us know your feedback.   Powered by Enginuity – the charity focused on closing the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    Life as a Chemical Engineering Student – Meet Jorja Karmen

    In this episode, Steph is back at Teesside University to meet Jorja Karmen, a bright, young Chemical Engineering student and beneficiary of an Enginuity scholarship.    Jorja tells us about her less conventional route into chemical engineering, including how attending a nuclear and radiochemistry summer school in Leeds introduced her to the topic and how she juggled taking an extra course to meet entry requirements while working, post A-levels, as an assistant restaurant manager.    Jorja discusses the impact of being diagnosed with Asperger’s late in Year 11, and how it’s helped her own understanding of the way she processes and thinks, and the benefits that has brought.    Now in second year, Jorja shares why she started the Process Engineering Society at Teesside University, the need for more early representation to encourage girls into engineering and her own career goals.    She tells us why funding support through Enginuity has helped her focus on her studies by reducing financial burden and lowering her stress and outlines her next steps including her hopes for her upcoming placement year.   00:00 Meet Jorja: Chemical Engineering student at Teeside University  01:01 The Summer School That Sparked a New Path  01:58 Finding a Route In: Access Course, Working Life & Learning From ‘Wrong Turns’ 02:59 Mental Health & Late Autism Diagnosis: Understanding Yourself 05:05 Big Influences: Mum’s Entrepreneurial Drive & Resilience 05:58 Starting Uni Without the ‘Right’ A-Levels: Imposter Syndrome, Being One of Few Women 07:14 Thriving in Year 2: Launching the Process Engineering Society 08:29 Placements and Career Goals  11:15 Why She Loves Engineering: Challenge, Passion, and Hyper-Focus 11:36 Women in Engineering: Representation, Stereotypes, and Starting Young 12:59 Career Switch & Confidence: ‘Academic Enough’ vs Real-World Skills 15:17 Life Beyond Uni 17:33 Funding & Support: How Scholarships Reduce Stress and Keep You Focused 18:58 What’s Next: Placement, Grad Role Goals Get in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min

  2. 6D AGO

    National Apprenticeship Week Special - Interview with Industry Minister Chris McDonald

    In this special episode for National Apprenticeship Week, Steph interviews Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade.  The comprehensive discussion takes a look at the current UK apprenticeship ecosystem, its strengths and weaknesses and how to address the challenges which are hampering the supply chain of new talent for the UK manufacturing and skills industries.  Chris shares stories from his own experiences starting out in the steel industry, and tells us why he’s dedicated to promoting apprenticeships. Plus why he believes government initiatives can expand apprenticeship opportunities, improve flexibility, and enhance the recognition of vocational training.  00:00 Introduction to National Apprenticeship Week 00:23 Interview with Chris McDonald: Background and Current Role 03:14 Government Support for Industry Skills Transition 03:45 Balancing Net Zero Goals with Business Growth 06:01 Expanding and Improving Apprenticeships 10:36 Challenges and Solutions in Apprenticeship Systems 13:22 Promoting Apprenticeships and Skills Training 18:18 Addressing Social Mobility and Local Opportunities 19:37 Challenges Faced by Disengaged Youth 20:38 Innovative Apprenticeship Programs 22:49 Personal Experiences and Reflections 27:24 The Role of SMEs in Apprenticeships 28:55 Government's Role in Supporting Industry 31:04 The Future of Manufacturing in the UK 36:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  3. FEB 4

    St Eval – The Generational Firm Going for Growth

    In this episode Steph meets Harry Young-Jamieson, the Managing Director of St Eval Candles, and one of the firm’s young apprentices, Cameron.    Based on a farm in a North Cornwall village the family run business employs 70 staff, including three apprentices – making them a significant employer in the area. Harry shares the history and evolution of the family business from its humble origins as a small candle factory to its role as a significant player in the market and discusses how the company has overcome challenges along the way, including the untimely death of his father, Tim, who was co-founder of the brand.   The episode also delves into the importance of apprenticeships and vocational training, with Cameron sharing the decisions which led him to an apprenticeship, and his ambitious plans for the future.   Together with Steph they discuss the need for greater awareness and support for apprenticeships, the role of local colleges, and community engagement in recruitment and training efforts, highlighting the benefits for both businesses and young people.   00:00 Welcome  00:22 Meet St. Eval Candles 00:52 The Journey of St. Eval Candles 03:09 Cameron's Apprenticeship Experience 04:34 The Importance of Apprenticeships 07:24 Challenges and Community in Cornwall 16:36 Future Plans for St. Eval Candles 20:01 Cameron's Future Aspirations 21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   This episode was recorded in December 2025.   Get in touch with the podcast at sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min

  4. JAN 28

    Here Come the Girls – Meet our Future Engineers

    In this episode, Steph meets three recipients of the brand-new ‘Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship, powered by Enginuity’.   Abigail, Munachi and Katie are all students at Teeside University and share their individual journeys into engineering, revealing what sparked their passion for the subject, who have been their role models, and their aspirations within their specific branches of engineering.   They discuss the importance of visibility and support for women in STEM, the diverse opportunities within engineering and how, as future engineers, they aim to solve global challenges. The students also talk about how the scholarship will have a meaningful and positive impact on their studies.   00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:07 Meet the Scholarship Recipients 00:49 Abigail's Journey to an Engineering degree 03:14 Munachi's Path to Chemical Engineering 06:56 Katie's Passion for Electrical Engineering 12:00 Challenges and Solutions in Engineering 16:02 The Importance of Engineers for Society’s Future 17:47 Final Messages   Get in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min

  5. JAN 21

    Engineering & Manufacturing Vocational Starts – Data and Attitudes Shaping the Future

    In this episode, Steph is joined by Lee Higgins, a data expert from Enginiuity, to delve into the latest statistics on vocational education, specifically focusing on apprenticeships in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.    Lee shares the current state of apprenticeship starts, regional growth patterns, and the lasting impact from Covid-19.    Steph and Lee highlight the ongoing challenge of changing perceptions towards vocational training versus university education, and the need for better school signposting.    00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:45 Current State of Engineering Apprenticeships 01:48 Regional Differences in Apprenticeship Growth 03:00 Challenges and Trends in Vocational Education 04:32 The Value of Apprenticeships vs. University 09:19 Survey Insights on Vocational Education 12:06 Policy and Future Directions 18:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Get in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min

  6. JAN 7

    Welcome to the Enginuity Policy Centre

    In this episode, Steph sits down with Nicola Dolan, Head of Charity Operations at Enginuity, to find out about their exciting new initiative – the Policy Centre.   The virtual hub aims to unify and amplify the voices of the 325,000 SMEs in the engineering and manufacturing sector, ensuring the collective body get their say in the UK policy debate.    Nicola explains the importance of the Policy Centre in addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs, such as attracting skilled labour and navigating a rapidly changing policy landscape.    The discussion covers how the Policy Centre plans to gather data, convene discussions, and use both qualitative and quantitative insights to advocate for meaningful policy changes.    Plus find out how SMEs can participate in an upcoming survey (launching on the 26th Jan) to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.   00:09 Introducing the Policy Centre 00:48 The Importance of SMEs in the UK 02:14 Challenges Faced by SMEs 05:40 Policy Centre's Role and Collaboration 07:00 Engaging with SMEs 11:22 Current Initiatives and Future Plans 12:38 Call to Action for SMEs 13:22 Conclusion and Contact Information   Get in touch with podcast at sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  7. Santa's Takeover: A Festive Dive into STEM and AI

    12/10/2025

    Santa's Takeover: A Festive Dive into STEM and AI

    In this unique holiday episode of 'Steph on Skills, powered by Enginuity,' Steph is joined by none other than Santa himself, to discuss the role STEM plays in engaging and inspiring the next generation of engineers.   Santa shares his insights on the most requested and innovative toys, and why he believes kindness and hard work make can set people up for an exciting future.   Steph and Santa also delve into how STEM and AI are used in daily life, offering advice for nurturing children's curiosity in these fields.    Plus, Santa delivers some Festive Wishes from the engineering and manufacturing industry.    Santa also offers a humorous look at how to survive the demands of the season as he shares his festive cheer.   00:00 Santa Takes Over the Show 00:13 Festive Period and Santa's Insights 00:57 Santa's Busy Schedule and Christmas Spirit 02:23 Santa's Science and Engineering Wonders 05:40 STEM and Inspiring Young Minds 09:09 Festive Wishes to Support Small and Medium Businesses 13:53 Gifts, Gingerbread Houses, and Final Thoughts Get in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org With special thanks to Santa from NE1 and Newcastle City Council’s ‘Newcastle’s Christmas’ in collaboration with Evnt Inspirations www.newcastleschristmas.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Harnessing Apprenticeships: A Family's Commitment to Engineering Excellence

    In this episode, Steph speaks with multi-award winner, Richard Brigman OBE, Founder of Warren Services, and his son Will, Managing Director of the family-run business.  The father-son duo, based in Norfolk, talk about the evolution and impact of apprenticeships in the engineering sector.  They discuss the history of their SME contract manufacturing business and their dedication to training young talent and creating a talent pipeline. They share their innovative approach to engaging students and explain how they’ve created a long-standing relationship with local schools and the council.  Plus, they reveal the personal story behind their commitment to overcoming barriers and fostering a skilled workforce. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:22 Founding the Business: A Family Affair 01:59 Challenges and Evolution of Apprenticeships 02:59 Engaging the Next Generation 08:30 Overcoming Dyslexia and Personal Challenges 10:42 Building Strong Community and Educational Partnerships 17:02 Advice for Businesses and Future Workforce Development 22:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get in touch with your feedback and ideas at sospod@enginuity.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
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Welcome to the podcast that dives into the fascinating world of skills, innovation, and the future of engineering and manufacturing.   Hosted by broadcaster and qualified engineer, Steph McGovern, each episode brings insightful conversations with industry leaders, game-changers, and those shaping the skills landscape.   Get in touch with the pod team at sospod@enginuity.org to share your ideas, comments or let us know your feedback.   Powered by Enginuity – the charity focused on closing the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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