In this episode Steph talks with Andrea Wilson, Managing Director of Hone All. 

Andrea sits on numerous committees and industry bodies and is a passionate campaigner, desperate to reshape the manufacturing industry so it flourishes. 

In this conversation she shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a specialist subcontract machining company, speaks honestly about the shortcomings of Further Education Colleges in providing relevant training for young people, and emphasises the dire need for governmental support tailored to SMEs. 

Andrea also tells us why she believes tax credits for training and development might help address the current skill gaps, and highlights the necessity for better support and ecosystem in vocational training. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:23 Overview of Hone All

00:51 Diverse Range of Products

01:31 Current Business Climate

02:21 Challenges in Skill Acquisition

03:44 Issues with Further Education

08:19 Proposed Solutions for Skill Development

14:37 The Importance of Vocational Training

17:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get in touch with your comments, ideas and feedback at sospod@enginuity.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Steph on Skills, Steph returns to Harland & Wolff – the iconic Belfast shipyard – to chat with a dynamic group of apprentices carving out careers in welding and steelwork. The group includes people from vastly different backgrounds, ages, and life stages, each sharing their inspiring journey into engineering.

From rediscovering passions in their 30s to juggling parenting with training, the apprentices talk about the ups and downs, the skills they’ve learned, and the strong sense of community that powers their progress.

00:00 – Welcome Back to Harland & Wolff

01:00 – Meet Naomi: From Farming to Fabrication

02:30 – Meet Andole: The 17-Year-Old with Big Dreams

03:45 – Meet Dean: The Apprentice Dad

05:00 – Meet Lisa: From Milking Cows to Steelwork

06:30 – Building a Diverse, Supportive Culture

08:00 – Finding Belonging and Breaking Barriers

09:00 – Juggling Work, Study, and Parenting

10:15 – Why They Chose Apprenticeships

11:30 – What Skills Do You Really Need?

13:30 – The Power of Communication & Community

14:30 – Job Security and Career Opportunities

15:30 – Advice for Anyone at a Crossroads

16:30 – Ambitions: From Supervisor to CEO

17:45 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

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.

In this episode of Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity, host Steph McGovern is joined by Kat Thorne, Head of Talent and Culture, and Brian Welsh, also known as Mr. Apprentice, from Harland & Wolff in Belfast. 

Broadcasting from the iconic Titanic Room, the discussion delves into the rich history of the shipyard, its cultural significance, and the community spirit that defines the workplace. 

Brian shares his personal journey from an apprentice in 1980 to a managerial role, explaining the importance of passing down skills to the new generation. 

Kat outlines recent developments, including a significant investment from Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia aimed at reviving and modernising the yard, with an emphasis on integration of new technologies, digital innovations, and advanced training programmes. 

They also discuss the company's focus on building new Navy vessels, the diverse career opportunities available, and the importance of fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere for apprentices. 

00:00 Welcome to Steph on Skills

00:39 The Iconic History of Harland & Wolff

02:10 A Community Like No Other

02:39 Brian's Journey from Apprentice to Manager

04:34 Reviving Shipbuilding in Belfast

07:10 The Future of Shipbuilding: Innovation and Skills

08:41 Finding the Right Fit: Apprenticeship Stories

10:52 Qualifications and Attitude: What We Look For

11:49 Understanding the Roles: Speed Worker vs. Welder

12:43 Workplace Environment and Regeneration

13:37 Expanding Apprenticeships Beyond Technical Roles

14:30 Importance of People in Engineering

15:38 Innovative Training Methods

17:27 Defence Industry Opportunities

18:57 Changing Gender Dynamics in Trades

19:29 Personal Stories and Mentorship

21:15 Parental Role and Support

22:01 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

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.

Steph on Skills landed the interview that everyone was clamouring to secure.

Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, unveils the Government’s new plan to rejuvenate skills provision and her desire to put some ‘oomph’ into her colleagues at Westminster.

Steph and the Minister, in a no holes barred 45-minute conversation, talk of their passion re-educate the media and politicians, on the importance of skilling people of all ages.

Jacqui Smith talks of the UK’s ‘hideous waste of talent’, with nearly a million young people not in education, employment or training and her wish to ensure that vocational training never retreats to the shadows of academia. 

Having taken time out from supporting Team UK, at the EuroSkill Finals in Herning, Denmark, the Minister tries her hand at live reporting and reveals that she has tried her hand at welding!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of three special episodes recorded on site in the Titanic Room at the historic shipbuilding firm, Harland and Wolff, in Belfast, host Steph McGovern is joined by guests Elita Frid and Susan Hayes Culleton to talk about their collaborative project, Engineering Across the Border and how it is tackling the skills crisis across Ireland. 

As Education and Industry Engagement Manager for MEGA (Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement) – a collaborative network in Northern Ireland, that promotes manufacturing and engineering as sources of high-value employment -  

Elita leads various educational initiatives to inspire careers in manufacturing and engineering, and she shares why she is so passionate about careers in STEM. 

Susan is CEO of Savvy Teens, an Irish business providing transition year work experiences for companies in Ireland. She is also the author of seven books, including five textbooks for teenagers, and a national radio presenter. 

Their initiative, funded by Inter Trade Ireland, connects schools with industry to provide hands-on experience in engineering and manufacturing. 

Together they discuss the importance of work experiences, structured support, and cross-border collaboration in preparing students for the workforce. 

The conversation also highlights the need for scalable models and broader industry participation to address skill mismatches in today's rapidly evolving job market.

00:00 Welcome to Steph on Skills

00:07 Meet Our Guests: Elita Frid and Susan Hayes Culleton

00:31 Elita's Journey in STEM Outreach

02:25 Susan's Passion for Skills Development

05:14 Engineering Across the Border: A Collaborative Project

07:56 Understanding the Education Systems

12:46 Impact and Future Goals

20:02 How to Get Involved

21:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, host Steph McGovern is joined by Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, and Jamie Ashpole, who runs a chocolate factory in Barnsley with a unique mission. 

Jamie, dubbed the ‘real-life Willy Wonka’, uses his factory to teach kids and families about the science and engineering behind chocolate production. 

He discusses the motivation behind his endeavour and the innovative ways he combines chocolate and STEM education to inspire the next generation. 

Steph, Ann and Jamie also chat about the importance of practical learning and the potential for small businesses to make significant impacts in their industries.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:23 Meet Jamie Ashpole: The Real-Life Willy Wonka

00:30 The Chocolate Factory Experience

01:09 Creative Chocolate Products

02:00 Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers

09:19 The Science and Technology Behind Chocolate

10:19 Jamie’s Career and Future Plans

11:50 Encouraging Practical Learning in Schools

18:56 Final Thoughts and Farewell

To get in touch with the podcast email sospod@enginuity.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'Steph on Skills,' powered by Enginuity, Steph chats with Ruth Amos, a renowned inventor and maker known for her YouTube show 'Kids Invent Stuff.' 

Ruth shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to accidental inventor, detailing her early invention, the StairSteady, and her subsequent efforts to inspire young people in STEM fields.

Steph and Ruth discuss the importance of creativity, lifelong learning, the value of real-world experience and the need for businesses to actively support and engage with young people. 

00:00 Introduction to Steph on Skills

00:52 Meet Ruth Amos: Accidental Inventor

01:31 The Journey into Engineering

06:06 Kids Invent Stuff: Inspiring Young Minds

10:58 The Power of Social Media in Education

14:45 Encouraging STEM Careers

26:23 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

To get in touch with the podcast email sospod@enginuity.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity, Steph is at Teesside University where she is joined by Jo Burgess, Director of Apprenticeships, and Dr. Samantha Gooneratne, Principal Lecturer of Staffing and Resources at the university. 

They delve into the evolving landscape of degree apprenticeships, addressing regional and national growth in vocational skills and highlighting the collaborative efforts between universities and industries to create enriched learning experiences and tackle the skills gap. 

They also discuss the societal impact of engineering and the importance of diversity in the field, aiming to dispel myths and encourage both young people and those changing careers to consider apprenticeships. 

Learn about the significant benefits of apprenticeships, the innovation happening within Teesside’s engineering department, and how universities are working together to support the region and society’s talent needs.

00:00 Introduction to Steph on Skills

00:16 Meet the Experts from Teesside University

00:37 The Role of Apprenticeships in Universities

02:18 Teaching and Research at Teesside

03:57 The Shift Towards Degree Apprenticeships

06:57 Exciting Research and Projects

09:35 How to Get into Apprenticeships

12:28 Addressing the Gender Gap in Engineering

16:46 Career Changes and Social Mobility

22:13 The Role of Parents and Final Thoughts

To get in touch with the podcast email sospod@enginuity.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the debut episode of Steph on Skills, powered by Enginuity, host Steph McGovern and CEO of Enginuity, Ann Watson, discuss the urgent skills crisis in engineering and manufacturing. 

Mel Stewart, an award-winning welder, also joins the conversation to share her journey into welding, the adversities she faced and how she overcame them. 

Mel explains the importance of apprenticeships, the gender gap in engineering, and some of the adventures on which her career path has taken her. 

Ann highlights the exciting opportunities in the field, the demand for skilled workers and why it’s a great time to consider a career in engineering. 

The discussion also touches on the need to make academic subjects more relatable to real-world applications and the potential impact of new technologies on the industry.

00:00 Welcome to Steph on Skills

00:33 Understanding the Skills Crisis

01:55 Meet Mel: An Award-Winning Welder

02:26 Mel's Journey into Welding

06:11 Facing Adversity in a Male-Dominated Field

08:05 The Changing Landscape of Welding

10:32 Opportunities and Future of Engineering

17:26 Encouraging the Next Generation

22:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell

To get in touch with the podcast email sospod@enginuity.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster and qualified engineer, Steph McGovern, introduces 'Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity' - the fortnightly podcast offering insightful conversations with industry leaders, game-changers, and those shaping the UK skills landscape.

Listen to short highlights from a conversation between host, Steph, and the CEO of Enginuity, Ann Watson, as they touch on topics and themes you can expect to hear more about in the new series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.