Time to spread the Word By Yinka Bankole I first met AFBE by chance during the Making Engineering Hot Event at St Pauls Cathedral on Walworth Road, as a STEM Ambassador. I was immediately impressed by the event and have been even more impressed knowing now how much effort was put into it by the likes of Nike, Reneth and other AFBE members at that time. The most positive impact, however, was how I was convinced it was time for me to chip into ensuring future generations of engineers are created fairly, based on ability and from as wide and diverse a background as possible. All organisations are only as good as the members. With respect to AFBE this is especially the case. So much work has been carried out by the Folayan bionic couple in London and Aberdeen and an increased membership base with dynamic goal seeking individuals is definitely due. With this aim in mind, individuals with potential are being headhunted on the internet and by word of mouth.
Black Engineers (NSBE) and aim to establish a dominant awareness and presence in UCL, South Bank and other universities with a strong ethnic presence. The aim is to add to our ranks individuals throughout the engineering career life cycle. Statistics have shown that there’s an enormous diverse pool of engineering individuals in the South East and the UK as a whole. Many are in blissful ignorance of the existence of AFBE-UK. 2016 is the year to reach out. Ignorance of our existence must no longer be an excuse for inadequate networking. If you’re reading this newsletter and I’ve managed to keep your attention to this point, please accept my open challenge to inform 5 engineering individuals you know about AFBE-UK. This could be from LinkedIn, Facebook, church or even at work. The sky is the limit when we tap all of the talent.
Personally, through LinkedIn I have recruited five dynamic talented engineers, liaised with the National Society of
Yinka Bankole is a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. He is a director of Intalock Oil and Gas Consultancy and also contracting as a Flow Assurance Consultant with Fluor Corporation a multinational engineering and construction firm. Yinka is AFBE-UK London’s Business Strategy Lead.
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