Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity

Steph is at Teeside University to welcome sport broadcaster and Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland, Jeff Brown, where he takes the opportunity to turn the tables and quiz Steph on her love of all things engineering and how proud she is to have an Enginuity scholarship for women in engineering in her name.  The pair reminisce about the first time they met, which happened to be at Wimbledon, and bond over their shared North East upbringing and work ethic.  Jeff asks how Steph balances being a broadcaster, writer, novelist, podcaster, and mum; as Steph explains the reasons behind her drive to keep busy.  Steph describes how her attendance at a city technology college sponsored by British American Tobacco, exposed her to technology, science, strong funding, practical projects with local businesses, and broader career possibilities and why that played such an important role in the opportunities which came next. She also recounts early rejection from BBC Cleveland after being told she ‘wasn’t the right type for the BBC’, and details how she eventually started working in broadcasting through persistence and behind-the-scenes roles, before a BBC Breakfast Editor changed the trajectory of her career by challenging internal attitudes about regional accents and putting Steph in front of the camera. The conversation returns to Steph’s work with Enginuity as she explains why she’s eager to support women in engineering and improve social mobility particularly in her home region.  00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:31 First Meeting at Wimbledon02:41 Work Ethic and Roots04:20 School That Sparked Engineering06:20 Careers Advice and Finding Your Thing08:12 Money and Women in Engineering09:00 Breaking into Broadcasting11:14 Accent Bias and BBC Breakthrough15:10 Creating Opportunities Through Scholarships16:57 Writing Crime Novels and Never Slowing Down18:49 Final thoughts Get in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org

In this episode, Steph is back at Teesside University to meet Jorja Karmen, a bright, young Chemical Engineering student and beneficiary of an Enginuity scholarship.  Jorja tells us about her less conventional route into chemical engineering, including how attending a nuclear and radiochemistry summer school in Leeds introduced her to the topic and how she juggled taking an extra course to meet entry requirements while working, post A-levels, as an assistant restaurant manager.  Jorja discusses the impact of being diagnosed with Asperger’s late in Year 11, and how it’s helped her own understanding of the way she processes and thinks, and the benefits that has brought.  Now in second year, Jorja shares why she started the Process Engineering Society at Teesside University, the need for more early representation to encourage girls into engineering and her own career goals.  She tells us why funding support through Enginuity has helped her focus on her studies by reducing financial burden and lowering her stress and outlines her next steps including her hopes for her upcoming placement year. 00:00 Meet Jorja: Chemical Engineering student at Teeside University 01:01 The Summer School That Sparked a New Path 01:58 Finding a Route In: Access Course, Working Life & Learning From ‘Wrong Turns’02:59 Mental Health & Late Autism Diagnosis: Understanding Yourself05:05 Big Influences: Mum’s Entrepreneurial Drive & Resilience05:58 Starting Uni Without the ‘Right’ A-Levels: Imposter Syndrome, Being One of Few Women07:14 Thriving in Year 2: Launching the Process Engineering Society08:29 Placements and Career Goals 11:15 Why She Loves Engineering: Challenge, Passion, and Hyper-Focus11:36 Women in Engineering: Representation, Stereotypes, and Starting Young12:59 Career Switch & Confidence: ‘Academic Enough’ vs Real-World Skills15:17 Life Beyond Uni17:33 Funding & Support: How Scholarships Reduce Stress and Keep You Focused18:58 What’s Next: Placement, Grad Role GoalsGet in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org

In this special episode for National Apprenticeship Week, Steph interviews Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade. The comprehensive discussion takes a look at the current UK apprenticeship ecosystem, its strengths and weaknesses and how to address the challenges which are hampering the supply chain of new talent for the UK manufacturing and skills industries. Chris shares stories from his own experiences starting out in the steel industry, and tells us why he’s dedicated to promoting apprenticeships. Plus why he believes government initiatives can expand apprenticeship opportunities, improve flexibility, and enhance the recognition of vocational training. 00:00 Introduction to National Apprenticeship Week00:23 Interview with Chris McDonald: Background and Current Role03:14 Government Support for Industry Skills Transition03:45 Balancing Net Zero Goals with Business Growth06:01 Expanding and Improving Apprenticeships10:36 Challenges and Solutions in Apprenticeship Systems13:22 Promoting Apprenticeships and Skills Training18:18 Addressing Social Mobility and Local Opportunities19:37 Challenges Faced by Disengaged Youth20:38 Innovative Apprenticeship Programs22:49 Personal Experiences and Reflections27:24 The Role of SMEs in Apprenticeships28:55 Government's Role in Supporting Industry31:04 The Future of Manufacturing in the UK36:20 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGet in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org

In this episode Steph meets Harry Young-Jamieson, the Managing Director of St Eval Candles, and one of the firm’s young apprentices, Cameron.  Based on a farm in a North Cornwall village the family run business employs 70 staff, including three apprentices – making them a significant employer in the area.Harry shares the history and evolution of the family business from its humble origins as a small candle factory to its role as a significant player in the market and discusses how the company has overcome challenges along the way, including the untimely death of his father, Tim, who was co-founder of the brand. The episode also delves into the importance of apprenticeships and vocational training, with Cameron sharing the decisions which led him to an apprenticeship, and his ambitious plans for the future. Together with Steph they discuss the need for greater awareness and support for apprenticeships, the role of local colleges, and community engagement in recruitment and training efforts, highlighting the benefits for both businesses and young people. 00:00 Welcome 00:22 Meet St. Eval Candles00:52 The Journey of St. Eval Candles03:09 Cameron's Apprenticeship Experience04:34 The Importance of Apprenticeships07:24 Challenges and Community in Cornwall16:36 Future Plans for St. Eval Candles20:01 Cameron's Future Aspirations21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This episode was recorded in December 2025. Get in touch with the podcast at sospod@enginuity.org

In this episode, Steph is joined by Lee Higgins, a data expert from Enginiuity, to delve into the latest statistics on vocational education, specifically focusing on apprenticeships in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.  Lee shares the current state of apprenticeship starts, regional growth patterns, and the lasting impact from Covid-19.  Steph and Lee highlight the ongoing challenge of changing perceptions towards vocational training versus university education, and the need for better school signposting.  00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:45 Current State of Engineering Apprenticeships01:48 Regional Differences in Apprenticeship Growth03:00 Challenges and Trends in Vocational Education04:32 The Value of Apprenticeships vs. University09:19 Survey Insights on Vocational Education12:06 Policy and Future Directions18:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.org 

In this episode, Steph sits down with Nicola Dolan, Head of Charity Operations at Enginuity, to find out about their exciting new initiative – the Policy Centre. The virtual hub aims to unify and amplify the voices of the 325,000 SMEs in the engineering and manufacturing sector, ensuring the collective body get their say in the UK policy debate.  Nicola explains the importance of the Policy Centre in addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs, such as attracting skilled labour and navigating a rapidly changing policy landscape.  The discussion covers how the Policy Centre plans to gather data, convene discussions, and use both qualitative and quantitative insights to advocate for meaningful policy changes.  Plus find out how SMEs can participate in an upcoming survey (launching on the 26th Jan) to strengthen collective advocacy efforts. 00:09 Introducing the Policy Centre00:48 The Importance of SMEs in the UK02:14 Challenges Faced by SMEs05:40 Policy Centre's Role and Collaboration07:00 Engaging with SMEs11:22 Current Initiatives and Future Plans12:38 Call to Action for SMEs13:22 Conclusion and Contact Information Get in touch with podcast at sospod@enginuity.org

In this unique holiday episode of 'Steph on Skills, powered by Enginuity,' Steph is joined by none other than Santa himself, to discuss the role STEM plays in engaging and inspiring the next generation of engineers. Santa shares his insights on the most requested and innovative toys, and why he believes kindness and hard work make can set people up for an exciting future. Steph and Santa also delve into how STEM and AI are used in daily life, offering advice for nurturing children's curiosity in these fields.  Plus, Santa delivers some Festive Wishes from the engineering and manufacturing industry.  Santa also offers a humorous look at how to survive the demands of the season as he shares his festive cheer. 00:00 Santa Takes Over the Show00:13 Festive Period and Santa's Insights00:57 Santa's Busy Schedule and Christmas Spirit02:23 Santa's Science and Engineering Wonders05:40 STEM and Inspiring Young Minds09:09 Festive Wishes to Support Small and Medium Businesses13:53 Gifts, Gingerbread Houses, and Final ThoughtsGet in touch with us at sospod@enginuity.orgWith special thanks to Santa from NE1 and Newcastle City Council’s ‘Newcastle’s Christmas’ in collaboration with Evnt Inspirations www.newcastleschristmas.com

In this episode, Steph speaks with multi-award winner, Richard Brigman OBE, Founder of Warren Services, and his son Will, Managing Director of the family-run business. The father-son duo, based in Norfolk, talk about the evolution and impact of apprenticeships in the engineering sector. They discuss the history of their SME contract manufacturing business and their dedication to training young talent and creating a talent pipeline.They share their innovative approach to engaging students and explain how they’ve created a long-standing relationship with local schools and the council. Plus, they reveal the personal story behind their commitment to overcoming barriers and fostering a skilled workforce.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:22 Founding the Business: A Family Affair01:59 Challenges and Evolution of Apprenticeships02:59 Engaging the Next Generation08:30 Overcoming Dyslexia and Personal Challenges10:42 Building Strong Community and Educational Partnerships17:02 Advice for Businesses and Future Workforce Development22:30 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGet in touch with your feedback and ideas at sospod@enginuity.org.uk