A key focus of the session was helping students understand the diversity of opportunities within engineering. Using a whole-systems perspective, I showed how engineering connects technology, people, policy, markets, and sustainability, offering a more modern and inclusive view of the sector. I also shared my own multidisciplinary journey across chemical engineering, subsea and offshore energy, and renewable systems, which reassured many students that career paths in engineering don’t have to be linear.

The response from the college was overwhelmingly positive. Theresa, Teacher of Product Design, reflected:
“Thank you, Ines, it was great having you speak, and I, for one, found it very interesting. I teach Product Design here at the college, so I have many students interested in engineering. We are always keen to give our students the opportunities to hear from and speak with professionals in the industry. The whole session was very informative.”

To support their next steps, I also signposted students to organisations supporting future engineers, including WES, the Early Careers Network, and apprenticeship communities, helping them understand the wider ecosystem available to guide their growth.

Sessions like this are a powerful reminder of how small moments of visibility, sharing our stories, answering honest questions, and demystifying our profession can meaningfully shape our young people’s confidence and career aspirations. It’s incredibly motivating to see how engaged the students were, and how clearly they recognised the importance of networks and organisations such as WES in supporting their future.
I’m grateful to continue representing WES in these outreach activities and to help inspire the next generation of engineers.

— Dr Inès Tunga, CEng (she/her), Vice President of the ECB