The Institution of Engineering and Technology has added STEM Returners founder Natalie Desty to its Gallery of Engineers stairwell exhibition at Savoy Place.
Celebrating the impact of inspiring engineers and technologists from the world of STEM, the exhibition features 95 outstanding individuals including and enigma codebreaker Alan Turing, Suffragette and Women’s Engineering Society founder Laura Annie Wilson and inventor Alexander Graham Bell.
The IET asked the public to nominate individuals who had made a positive, real-world impact and they received hundreds of entries prior to the 95 person shortlist announcement.
Natalie said:
“I’m honoured to have been chosen to feature in the IET’sGallery of Engineers stairwell – to be included amongst the other nominees is very special.
“Working in this space for the last five years, we have seen how hard it has become for people to overcome the career gap penalty and the impacts that this has on their career in STEM. We also know how vital their return is to an industry with an advanced skills gap and in some areas, a shocking lack of diversity.
“I am very proud of the work we have done so far, working alongside industry leaders and helping nearly 250 returners, but there is more to be done. I am looking forward to working with more STEM firms, helping to change outdated recruitment practices and support more highly-talented STEM professionals return to the industry they love.”
Natalie founded STEM Returners in 2017 after she saw how hard it was for STEM professionals who had been out of employment for a period of time, to re-enter their profession.
She established a small pilot returners programme with BAE Systems, which saw a group of returners take part in a paid placement for 12 weeks. It was a great success for both the returners and BAE Systems, and since then internationally renowned firms such as Leonardo UK, Babcock International, SSE and Meggitt have all launched returners programmes. As a result nearly 250 people have returned to STEM industries.
The top 95 nominations for the stairwell exhibition was decided by a review panel, are now displayed at the stairwell gallery exhibition at IET London: Savoy Place. The review panel comprised some of the best minds across the engineering sector, including those with experience championing EDI, and some representatives from the IET.
The list features people from the past, including some of the well-known greats, to some who had been overlooked, as well as incredible people from today and those working on amazing things for the future.
Head of EDI at the IET, Dr Laura Norton, said: “I’m delighted to see the final collection of individuals nominated for recognition from our celebrating impact campaign. It showcases the true diversity of successful engineers and technologists throughout history and in the present day. These amazing individuals provide role models for the future generation and inspire us all.”
“At the IET we want to change outdated perceptions and showcase the diverse talent and creative careers in our sector, and this campaign helps us to do just that.”
The exhibition is now available to view at IET London: Savoy Place and more information about the inspiring 95 engineers and technologists is available on the IET website.