Developing the North East’s Engineering Talent Pipeline

Help us develop the North East’s Engineering Talent Pipeline

Join the Belonging in Engineering Network (BEN) on campus to join a key conversation around supporting future engineers in our region. 

BEN is a student-led network, supported by Newcastle University, aimed at improving the experience, sense of belonging, and success of Black and other Global Majority students in engineering. Since its establishment, BEN has become a valued part of our student support landscape, bringing together students from under-represented backgrounds, offering a platform for growth, and providing opportunities to connect with industry and support for employability.

Help us shape the future

We are now expanding BEN across the North East, with support from local institutions. By creating a connected regional network, we aim to improve student progression, strengthen industry links, and help diversify the future engineering workforce.

This conversation also comes at a time when our region faces a growing skills gap in critical areas such as chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Without action, this shortage could limit growth in the green economy and beyond. BEN’s approach directly supports widening participation in these fields – making it part of the solution.

Join the conversation

This event will bring together universities, industry partners, and policymakers to:

• Share best practice and outcomes from the BEN model
• Explore opportunities for regional collaboration
• Identify how industry and education can work together to close skills gaps while improving diversity and inclusion

Who should attend?

• Business leaders invested in securing top engineering talent
• Higher education academics and professionals shaping the next generation of engineers
• Policy makers and funders who can turn ideas into actions
• Anyone committed to supporting the development of Engineering talent in the North East