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. AUG 7

    Announcing the launch of Vocational Celebration Day. Live from The Hub at Newcastle College.

    In this episode, Steph McGovern is joined by special guests and young learners to unveil ‘Vocational Celebration Day’ created and driven by Enginuity and EAL – the first of which will be held on August 6th 2026.   Newcastle College's Assistant Principal Catherine Orridge shares how the college is working to fulfil its goal to ‘unlock potential’ for anyone who wants to engage in their diverse range of courses and, alongside Al Parkes, Managing Director of EAL and a member of Enginuity’s Executive Leadership Team, they talk about the importance of celebrating vocational achievements.    Mohammed Mahmood, who earned the title ‘Best of British’ at the Enginuity Skills Awards 2025, reveals his inspiring personal journey as an apprentice, and Alexia Williams, Technical Lead in the defence sector at Rolls-Royce, details why she is a passionate advocate for STEM apprenticeships.   Ben Blackledge, CEO, for WorldSkills UK also joins Steph to explain how the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence programme is changing the UK’s skills landscape.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  2. JUL 16

    Tinder for Skills

    In this episode, Steph welcomes Katy Davies, Managing Director of Cap Air Systems and co-founder of Citizen Hub.  Katy shares her journey from accountant to manufacturing leader, offers insights into her multifaceted role in the manufacturing sector and discusses the formation and success of Citizen Hub, an innovative organisation designed to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers while offering skills training and career advice.  Steph and Katy explore how the hub addresses the local skills gaps and the importance of community-driven employment solutions, including why we need more ‘angry lovers’ who care enough about these issues to take action.  00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:31 Overview of Cap Air Systems 01:32 Job Roles and Team Dynamics 03:36 Katy's Career Journey 06:48 The Birth of Citizen Hub 09:02 Challenges and Solutions in Employment 11:40 Citizen Hub's Evolution and Impact 12:55 Creating a Welcoming Environment 13:18 Partnerships and Collaborations 14:24 Community Support and Services 15:01 Engaging the Community 17:15 Impact and Success Stories 18:39 Expanding the Initiative 19:18 Replicating the Model 21:15 Addressing the Skills Gap 23:46 Empowering Local Communities 25:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get in touch with the podcast with your comments, feedback and ideas via sospod@enginuity.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  3. JUL 2

    Are T Levels the solution to the skills gap problem?

    In this episode of Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity, Steph is joined by Andrew Beresford and Joe Wilson, two of the experts involved in developing the 2nd generation of T-Levels qualifications. Andrew is Technical Adviser, Building Services Engineering for EAL, whilst Joe is Head of Work Based Learning and VTQ Delivery at Educas and together they explain the purpose of T Levels and how they bridge the gap between purely academic and purely vocational education as well as the role they play in covering crucial pathways for the demand in the skills sector for Electrical, Plumbing & Heating, Gas, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Protection Systems and, from 2026, Low Carbon Heating.   Andrew and Joe talk about why T Levels are suitable for a wide range of learners as well as offering various exit routes such as university, work, or higher-level apprenticeships and share the importance of employer feedback in the process as the qualifications continue to develop. The conversation also highlights how T Levels are preparing students for the industry with up-to-date skills and knowledge so that young people are ready for work from day one. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:24 Backgrounds of the Guests 01:32 What are T Levels? 02:51 Generation One vs. Generation Two T Levels 03:34 Feedback and Improvements in T Levels 06:21 Who are T Levels For? 12:08 Employer Engagement and Real-World Experience 16:55 Keeping Up with Technological Changes 22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get in touch with the podcast with your comments, feedback and ideas via sospod@enginuity.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min

  4. JUN 18

    Transforming Cultures with Logan Perez-Grey and Andy Heffer-Lamond

    Steph meets Logan Perez-Grey, a Level 3 welding and fabricating apprentice at HF Bond, and Andy Heffer-Lamond, Logan's supervisor.  They discuss Logan's experiences and learning journey at HF Bond, highlighting the inclusive and supportive environment of the company and why it matters to be hired for your talent not box ticking.  The conversation covers Logan's entry into welding, the importance of apprenticeships in diversifying skills, and challenges and opportunities for young people in the engineering sector.  Andy and Logan emphasise the need for educational reform to better prepare students for diverse career paths and the importance of employer involvement in schools.  00:00 Welcome to Steph on Skills 00:08 Meet Logan Perez-Grey and Andy Heffer-Lamond 00:26 Logan's Journey in Welding and Fabrication 01:19 Challenges and Inclusivity in the Workplace 01:54 Andy on Finding the Right Talent 03:20 Day-to-Day Life as a Welder 06:21 The Importance of Creativity in Engineering 09:11 Education and Career Guidance 14:14 Advice for Aspiring Welders 16:09 Supportive Work Environment at HF Bond 18:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min

  5. JUN 4

    Will the Government plans on immigration skill - or kill – British Industry?

    Steph welcomes Enginuity CEO, Ann Watson, and Poppy Bramford, Senior Policy Manager at Enginuity, to discuss the pressing issue of immigration in relation to the UK's skill gap.  Steph, Ann and Poppy examine the Government’s white paper on immigration and its potential ramifications for SMEs in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.  Poppy and Ann highlight the Government's assumptions about reducing immigration to spur domestic skill acquisition, and the flaws in the current skill system that may hinder this vision.  They also discuss the essential role of immigration in filling critical skill gaps, the necessity for a long-term national skills plan, and the undervaluing of technical education in the UK.  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:22 Current Immigration Policies and Their Impact 02:47 Challenges for SMEs and Skills Shortages 04:20 Government's Role and Timing Issues 05:33 The Importance of Long-Term Planning 08:21 Valuing Technical and Vocational Education 14:22 The Need for a National Skills Plan 20:17 Cultural Shifts and Transferable Skills 31:12 Conclusion and Call to Action Get in touch with the podcast at sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  6. MAY 21

    Putting the spotlight on engineering with Kirbi Taylor

    Steph sits down with 22-year-old Kirbi Taylor, a Controls Testing Technician for TAIT, the engineering company that provides specialised equipment and technical expertise for the entertainment industry.  Kirbi discusses her fascinating role in ensuring all control equipment meets the high standards required for large-scale shows, including those of international musical superstars and West End shows. Steph talks to Kirbi about her journey from a heavy industrial background to the entertainment sector, the challenges she faces as a woman in engineering, and how she feels seeing her work in action on stage.  We also hear valuable insights on how to get into the engineering field, the importance of practical experience, and Kirbi’s aspirations to manage her own team in the future. 00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 00:21 Behind the Scenes of Entertainment Engineering 00:39 The Role of a Controls Testing Technician 00:55 Equipment and Operations in Entertainment 03:10 Personal Journey into Engineering 05:25 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Engineering 09:31 Future Ambitions and Career Goals 10:45 Encouraging the Next Generation 17:25 Final thoughts Get in touch with the podcast at sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

  7. MAY 7

    Does the UK need a skills passport? With guests Dame Judith Hackitt and Jüergen Maier CBE

    Steph welcomes esteemed engineering veterans, Dame Judith Hackitt and Jüergen Maier CBE, to gain their insight on how to tackle the skills shortage in the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector and discuss how the industry needs to evolve.    Having recently concluded her role as interim chair at the Office of Nuclear Regulation and having led the independent review on building safety following the fire at Grenfell Tower, Dame Judith currently chairs an Industry Safety Steering Group, while since leaving his role as CEO at Siemens, Jüergen has transitioned from advising on industrial strategy to chairing Great British Energy, the UK's publicly owned clean energy company.    The conversation delves into the importance of mentoring, the significance of diversity, the opportunities within clean energy, and the potential of a skills passport for career mobility.    Plus, Jüergen and Judith offer their views on the controversial world of geo-engineering and share why we should be concerned at its uses.    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 00:33 Dame Judith Hackitt's Career Journey 01:05 Jüergen Maier’s Role at Head of Great British Energy 02:16 Rewinding to Early Career Choices 03:27 Mentorship and Influence 06:00 Skills Landscape in the Industry 07:50 Future of Clean Energy and Job Creation 10:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Skill Development 13:50 Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering 15:07 The Importance of Diversity in Engineering 15:49 Introducing the Digital Skills Passport 16:53 Learning from Global Models 17:35 Challenges in the UK Skills System 19:13 The Future of Engineering and Geo-Engineering 21:39 The Role of Ethics in Engineering 23:51 Optimism for the Future of Engineering 28:37 Final Thoughts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  8. APR 23

    From Engineering to Parliament: The Journey of Labour MP Mike Reader

    In this episode, Steph sits down with Mike Reader, who transitioned from a career in civil engineering to becoming a Labour MP at the General Election in 2024. Mike shares his ‘accidental’ journey into engineering and how it led to the backbenches at the House of Commons, discussing the challenges he faced and the motivations behind his career switch.  He also talks about the impact of austerity on public projects, and his passion for public procurement and infrastructure.  Mike also delves into the significance of modernising the construction sector, his vision for the future of engineering and automation and whether modernising manufacturing could also help address the issue of immigration. Steph and Mike also reveal their own innovative ideas for recruiting for careers in engineering. Could their ideas help solve the skills gap? 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Mike's Journey to Politics 02:19 Election Night and Becoming an MP 04:01 Early Career in Engineering 05:41 Transition to Public Procurement 07:21 Political Frustrations and Joining Labour 10:00 Addressing the Skills Shortage 10:49 Automation and the Future of Work 13:35 The Role of Government in Adult Learning 13:54 Addressing Immigration and Job Automation 15:31 Government's Role in Industrial Strategy 17:09 Future of Engineering Jobs 19:35 Vocational vs. Higher Education 21:20 Primary and Secondary Education Reforms To get in touch with the podcast email sospod@enginuity.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 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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