Member Article

Young Engineers Invited To Speak Out In Competition

Ambitious young engineers from across Yorkshire are being invited to submit entries for a fiercely-fought annual competition that puts their public speaking and communication skills to the test.

Now in its 52nd year the Speak Out For Engineering (SOFE) event, which is hosted by the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) and sponsored by Elevation Recruitment Group, challenges some of the industry’s most talented new members to deliver a technical presentation in a way that can be understood by members of the public.

A total of 21 of the strongest presentation proposals from across the region will be invited to go head-to-head at area finals taking place simultaneously in Sheffield, Leeds and Hull on November 21st.

The winner and runner-up of each area – six in total - will then deliver their ‘audience friendly’ presentations in front of an industry-expert-panel; including IMechE’s members and specialist engineering and manufacturing recruiter John Bohan from Elevation Recruitment Group.

The winner of the annual competition will receive a cash prize and the coveted Philip Hilton Trophy which is named in memory of Philip Hilton - a noteworthy member of the IMechE’s Yorkshire region who is remembered for his contribution to promoting engineering.

Last year Mechanical Engineer William Holloway took the prestigious accolade following a talk on innovation in industrial wastewater including insight into the design of hydroelectric generators.

Tom Garwood, organiser of SOfE, said: “Speak Out For Engineering is a fantastic competition that, over the years, has built up a lot of history and prestige. It provides a chance to gain some key communication skills and make your CV stand out while having fun and networking with other young engineers from around Yorkshire.

“Having reinvigorated the competition in the Yorkshire three years ago, with the support of Elevation Recruitment Group, the event continues to improve and grow.

“One of the great aspects is that it is open to any young engineer regardless of technical expertise. We want to hear what they are passionate about; and that could be a past project, a hobby, or the profession itself. As long as it links back to engineering any subject is allowed.

“I look forward to seeing the submissions and best of luck to all those taking part.”

John Bohan, Director of the Manufacturing and Engineering Division at Elevation Recruitment Group which has sponsored the event for the last three years, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together to challenge and support its future leaders, as well as celebrate their successes.

“Public speaking and effective communication is increasingly integral to any role within the engineering arena and so it is particularly poignant that we sponsor an event that goes towards instilling confidence in those taking their first steps onto the career ladder.

“I am very much looking forward to reading the presentation proposals, as well as sitting on the judging panel at the final taking place next year.”

For more information and to enter please contact Tom Garwood at syorkssec@gmail.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Elevation Recruitment Group .