A not-for-profit organisation is helping students in Edinburgh develop the necessary skills to progress from university to industry.

AFBE-UK Scotland promotes career choices to young people from under-represented groups, particularly those of black and minority ethnic (BME) origin.

The event takes place at Heriot-Watt University’s Students Union at Riccarton on Saturday, November 30 (9am to 5pm). Industry professionals will give up their time to help the next generation.

The workshops will feature activities geared towards helping undergraduate and postgraduate students enter the sector, with mock interviews, assessments, CV reviews and networking. 

It’s only the second time Aberdeen-based AFBE-UK Scotland has held an event outside the Granite City, with the previous event also taking place at Heriot-Watt University.

According to a survey carried out by the group, 70% of people felt the Transition programme had been a factor in securing a relevant job within a year of attending the event, while 90% said it had helped them feel more confident in interviews.

The speakers at the event are Helen West, integrity director – Europe and Sub Sahara at Oceaneering Asset Integrity and Dr Mary McPhail, director at Preparing4Life, a company which provides life skills for young people.

Dr Ollie Folayan, chairman of AFBE-UK Scotland, said: 
“We’re delighted to be at Heriot-Watt University once again to support and pass on advice to students. Transition events offer the opportunity to learn directly from professionals. These are individuals with years of experience who can provide vital insights that help students secure a job.”

Last month Dr Folayan was appointed to the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Task Group - the new body set up by OGUK (Oil and Gas UK) to champion diversity and inclusion in the oil and gas industry.

AFBE-UK Scotland was established in Aberdeen in 2011 and is part of the London-based AFBE-UK. It is a not-for-profit organisation that encourages diversity, inclusion and young people, particularly those of black and minority ethnic (BME) origin, to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
 
The Scottish organisation has two other engagement programmes: its schools programme, NextGen, in which industry professionals give up their time to highlight engineering as a career choice to primary schoolchildren, and Real Projects, a series of technical lectures delivered by seasoned engineering professionals on their area of expertise. 

Transition is open to students and recent graduates. The event is free but pre-event registration online is essential: http://www.afbescotland.org/events/

For more information about AFBE-UK Scotland click here.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: AFBE-UK