A recent discussion paper by EngineeringUK suggests that there will be 173,000 new jobs in engineering and technology by 2030 and, Sutcliffe, is dedicated to being at the forefront of supporting the next generation of talent in the sector.

As part of our corporate social responsibility pledge, we are committed to encouraging aspiring engineers through education, apprenticeships, and community engagement.

Joining the company in 1990, CEO, Sean Keyes understands the importance of nurturing young talent and providing support and development opportunities to those from less privileged backgrounds. 

Sutcliffe annually provides 380 hours of work experience to the region’s youth, and over the years has provided 12 full-time university placements, 150+ short-term work experiences, and 23 full-time apprenticeships.

Sutcliffe also strives to promote construction opportunities in marginalised regions, focusing on under-21s, ethnic minorities and women, in a continued effort to support the next generation of engineers. 

Through collaboration with our local schools and universities, Sutcliffe has given 55 hours at careers fairs to enhance recruitment, promote diversity in the workplace and encourage inclusivity of non-native English speakers.

In research collected, in 2022, women only accounted for 16.5% of the engineering workforce and Sutcliffe endeavours to help bridge the gender gap by aiming for a 50/50 gender balance in new positions, which will make a significant, positive difference in these statistics by 2030.

Jacqui Johnson, Communications Director, says:

 “Sutcliffe is pleased to announce that it has been awarded, the ‘Aspiring Level’, in the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter. Through achieving this status, Sutcliffe is proven to be an organisation dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees and supports its staff to grow and develop, while working towards creating a fairer, more inclusive City Region. 

Sutcliffe’s Diversity and Equality Policy works to promote positive attitudes and respect within the workplace and developing employees understanding of discrimination”.

“We all have different skill sets and work better together. More businesses need to be working closely together with schools – it’s required now more than ever to get more women into senior positions.”

Sutcliffe believes in investing time into the future generation of engineers as we interweave this with our wider business strategy, allocating an approximate 4% turnover to initiatives promoting education, training, and community engagement.

Recent success stories that are illustrative of our commitment to nurturing talent include Heather Carey, David Owens, Andrew Polson and Mark Coleman. All who have recently professionally qualified in their respective fields of Accountancy, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering and Building Surveying.  David first joined Sutcliffe, as a 16-year-old work experience student and is now an Incorporated Structural Engineer which is a highly respected qualification. Heather’s story will help school leavers realise that it is possible to qualify as an accountant working for a Consulting Engineers, such as Sutcliffe.

Through strategic partnerships, a unified vision and a commitment to offering development opportunities, Sutcliffe will be integral in developing the next generation of engineers in the city and beyond.