Aberdeen-based diversity and inclusion organisation AFBE-UK Scotland is calling on black and minority ethnic (BME) leaders to join the next cohort of its Transcend programme.

Transcend is designed for BME professionals with more than 10 years’ experience in senior to lead engineering and technical roles to help them progress to high-level management and executive positions.

The programme also aims to influence an organisational and institutional change in leadership structures, where more people of colour will be promoted and retained in management and executive roles. The deadline for applications is Monday, April 3 (2023).

AFBE-UK Scotland supports all young people, particularly those from BME backgrounds, with career aspirations in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

With 32 hours of training content, there are two options to study the Transcend course: Mondays to Fridays from 7pm to 10pm over a two-week period, or Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 12pm over four weeks.

The programme begins on Monday, May 1 (2023) and is delivered through a series of sessions that seek to unearth the barriers to career progression and chart a path into leadership. It is designed to build a cohesive team and motivate and manage teams at various leadership levels. The sessions will cover a range of topics including leadership communication; unconscious bias; negotiation; limiting behaviours; calling out and buddying up; role models; coaching and mentoring.

AFBE-UK Scotland’s first cohort of its Transcend programme ran in July 2022 with eight professionals participating. The course was well received with individuals from a range of engineering and energy companies among the attendees.

Dr Roy Bitrus, who is co-chair of AFBE-UK Scotland, leads the Transcend programme. He said: 
“Transcend aims to inspire, engage and equip professionals of minority ethnic origin with the tools they need to progress into corporate leadership roles. The tools and resources learned from the programme can help organisations to diversify its management and leadership structures.

“The feedback from last year’s programme has been fantastic and are anticipating another highly informative and successful turnout this year. We would encourage any individual to apply who is keen to be the best leader they can be and those who are passionate about being a beacon of change and hope in their industries.”

There are also sponsorship opportunities available for companies to sponsor interested individuals throughout their Transcend training. In addition, training packages are available where AFBE-UK Scotland can deliver an internal Transcend training to organisations.

Applications for the Transcend Programme can be submitted here: https://forms.gle/5PUH7bg5rEoyZa6y7

For more information on the Transcend programme, please contact Roy Bitrus: leadersprogramme@afbescotland.org

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: AFBE UK