Midlands firm promotes inclusion and youth development

The business is offering a wide range of opportunities, from apprenticeships to senior-level engineering, managerial and director roles, recruiting individuals with different skillsets and professional backgrounds.

And, fulfilling its commitment to social responsibility, the company is on a mission to diversify its workforce while attracting top engineering talent.

As part of its strategy, the firm is placing a special emphasis on fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion across its divisions, as well as investing in the development of young people.

A holistic approach to recruitment

“As a business, we are passionate about driving positive change within the engineering industry,” comments Alan Lusty, CEO of adi Group. “And this all starts with recruitment. We are committed to both challenging non-inclusive hiring and creating accessible pathways for young people to succeed in engineering.”

In response to the lack of skilled engineers and the widening STEM skills gap – projected to cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 – adi Group is making great strides in upskilling the next generation of engineers.

As well as offering award-winning apprenticeships, adi Group pioneered a unique pre-apprenticeship scheme aimed at students from years 10 and 11, allowing them to develop their engineering skills in a real-life work environment while working towards a formal EAL accredited qualification.

“Our pre-apprenticeship scheme has seen incredible success in helping young people develop a passion for engineering by allowing them to directly experience a real-life work environment and perform hands-on tasks.

“Many young people are still not being directed towards engineering despite it being an inspiring, rewarding and lucrative career – especially young females, who often dismiss the industry due to stigma or misconceptions. Our scheme is helping transform people’s mindsets and igniting a passion for engineering in young people.”

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

In a traditionally male-dominated industry, one where in 2023, just 12% of engineering professionals were women, adi is working to break down barriers and encourage women to pursue careers in engineering.

The business employs a number of talented women in engineering roles as well as in recruitment, HR, responsible business, and other managerial positions, creating a more balanced workforce.

“There is no reason for the engineering industry to continue to be dominated by men,” says Lusty. “We are aware that closing the STEM skills gap also means creating more opportunities for women and underrepresented communities. Our workforce already represents 20 different nationalities, and 15% of our Board members are women – but we know there’s much more we can do.”

To further its goals, adi Group established a Responsible Business Committee dedicated to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion within the company. The committee focuses on improving gender balance and diversity, ensuring these values are woven into the company’s recruitment processes and workplace culture.

“Change starts from within,” Lusty adds. “Our committee works directly with employees to raise awareness about the challenges faced by diverse groups in engineering, and how we as a company can support them.”

adi’s commitment to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace has already earned it national recognition. In 2023, the company was ranked number four in Best Companies’ list of top construction and engineering firms in the UK, with a 2-star accreditation for outstanding workplace engagement. adi was also listed as one of the UK’s top 100 large companies to work for, cementing its reputation as a leader in employee satisfaction.

Looking ahead

adi Group remains committed to embedding a culture of inclusion within the wider engineering industry, celebrating the richness that diversity brings to a workforce.

Through its forward-thinking recruitment efforts, the company is poised to build a thriving, dynamic team ready to address the evolving challenges of the engineering world.