Championing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Engineering and Manufacturing
We believe that a diverse, inclusive workforce isn’t just good for business, it’s essential for long-term success. Through proactive EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) initiatives, we’re helping to shape a more equitable future for the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Our internal EDI Steering Group brings together passionate individuals from across ATA Recruitment to lead the conversation, challenge bias, and take real action. This group meets regularly to explore how we can improve inclusion across our own teams and share EDI best practices with our clients.
More and more employers are recognising the value of a diverse workforce. But building one doesn’t happen by accident, it requires intention, insight and partnership. That’s where we come in. At ATA Recruitment, we work closely with clients to help them meet their own EDI objectives by offering inclusive recruitment strategies that attract a broader talent pool, auditing job descriptions and adverts to remove unconscious bias and sharing insight into emerging EDI trends within the sector. To highlight the real opportunities available in engineering and manufacturing, we’ve gone beyond the recruitment process, visiting client sites, interviewing employees and sharing their stories.
Latest Case Studies
Why Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Must Be at the Heart of Modern Recruitment
The Future of Recruitment Is InclusiveIn a world where innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving drive success, having a diverse and inclusive workforce is no longer optional - it’s essential. At ATA Recruitment, we believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are fundamental to attracting top talent, building stronger teams, and driving long-term business growth.We don’t just support EDI - we embed it into every stage of our recruitment process. As specialists in engineering and technical recruitment, we are committed to creating fair opportunities for all candidates and helping our clients develop inclusive hiring strategies that reflect today’s society.What EDI Means in PracticeEquity, diversity, and inclusion go beyond ticking boxes. Here’s how we approach each pillar:Equity: Ensuring fair access to opportunities and removing bias from recruitment processes.Diversity: Proactively seeking candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.Inclusion: Helping organisations create workplaces where every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to succeed.This means challenging stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as engineering, rail, and manufacturing - and actively engaging underrepresented groups including women, ethnic minorities, neurodiverse individuals, and ex-forces candidates.The Business Case for Inclusive HiringCompanies that prioritise EDI are proven to outperform their peers. According to a McKinsey & Company report, diverse leadership teams are 36% more likely to achieve above-average profitability. Inclusive workplaces also experience:Higher employee engagementLower turnover ratesStronger innovationBetter decision-makingBy embedding inclusive values into your recruitment and retention strategies, you’re not only doing what’s right — you’re investing in your long-term success.What ATA Recruitment Is Doing to Champion EDIWe’re proud to be a recruitment partner that leads with purpose. Our EDI initiatives include:Bias-free recruitment tools and candidate screeningInclusive job adverts designed to attract a wider talent poolUnconscious bias awareness training for our consultantsSupporting returners, career changers, and forces leavers through inclusive onboardingWe also work closely with clients to audit and improve their recruitment practices to ensure fair access and opportunity at every level.Want to learn more about how we support specific communities in the workforce? Visit our page on Recruiting Forces Leavers.Partner With ATA Recruitment to Build Inclusive TeamsWhether you're a business aiming to diversify your workforce, or a candidate looking for an employer that values your identity and potential, ATA Recruitment is here to support you.Explore how we’re Championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Visit our EDI recruitment pageOr speak to our specialist consultants today: Contact ATA Recruitment
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Driving Real Change: How Inclusive Recruitment Builds Stronger Engineering Teams
The Engineering Industry Needs a Culture Shift - And It Starts with RecruitmentThe UK engineering and manufacturing sectors are facing a well-documented skills shortage. But the answer isn’t just finding more candidates - it’s about removing barriers and attracting a wider range of talent. That’s where equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) come in.At ATA Recruitment, we don’t just support inclusive hiring - we lead it. We help organisations across technical and industrial sectors build recruitment strategies that reflect the real world, unlock new talent pipelines, and create high-performing, inclusive teams.Diversity Isn’t a Target - It’s a Talent StrategyMany engineering businesses still draw talent from a narrow demographic. But diversity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a competitive advantage. McKinsey’s Diversity Wins report confirms that companies in the top quartile for gender and ethnic diversity on executive teams are significantly more likely to outperform their peers.Here’s what inclusive recruitment delivers:Wider talent pools and better representationImproved innovation from diverse thinkingEnhanced team performance through cognitive varietyIncreased employee loyalty and retentionThrough our inclusive recruitment model, we help our clients hire smarter, not just faster.Breaking Barriers in Technical RecruitmentAt ATA Recruitment, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of inclusive hiring in traditionally male-dominated environments like engineering, rail, and heavy industry. Our EDI approach includes:Writing inclusive job adverts that attract a broader audienceUsing blind CV shortlisting to reduce biasTraining hiring managers in unconscious bias awarenessSupporting candidates from underrepresented groups — including women, LGBTQ+ professionals, people with disabilities, and forces leaversWe also promote a culture where everyone feels welcome. That means aligning with initiatives like the WISE Campaign for women in STEM and the Disability Confident Scheme.A Practical, Partnership-Based ApproachWe work closely with businesses to make inclusive hiring achievable, not overwhelming. Whether you’re a multinational or an SME, we help you:Review existing recruitment practices for biasAttract candidates from a wider range of backgroundsEmbed inclusive values into your employer brandRetain diverse talent through meaningful onboarding and developmentExplore how we do this across our recruitment specialisms, from engineering and manufacturing to project management and automation.Our Vision: An Industry Where Everyone BelongsWe believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Through our EDI commitment, we’re working to change that - one placement at a time.Looking for an example of our impact? See how we support candidates from all backgrounds through initiatives like our work with forces leavers, who bring incredible value to technical sectors.Ready to Build a More Inclusive Workforce?Whether you're reviewing your hiring processes or launching a full diversity strategy, ATA Recruitment is here to help you move from intention to impact.Start with our page on Championing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Explore EDI at ATA RecruitmentOr get in touch with our team to discuss inclusive recruitment for your business: Contact ATA Recruitment
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Breaking Stereotypes: A Woman's Perspective in Engineering Recruitment
Breaking Stereotypes: A Woman's Perspective in Engineering RecruitmentIN CONVERSATION WITH DALVIR MALLI, PRINCIPAL RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTEmbarking on a new professional chapter can be an intimidating endeavour, especially when venturing into uncharted territory within a different industry. Yet, the journey to becoming a successful Recruitment Consultant often unveils a vast number of transferable skills, applicable regardless of one's previous background. We sat down with Dalvir Malli, (a seasoned member of our team who took the plunge nearly five years ago at ATA Recruitment's Leeds office), to discuss her journey from trainee recruiter to principal recruitment specialist.What attracted you to ATA Recruitment as an employer?“I used to be part of the cabin crew in Abu Dhabi, but I made a move back to the UK. That is when Rachael, our talent manager, reached out and made the transition seamless. Thanks to her, the entire process became a breeze. I landed the interview, and my prospective director laid out the details of the role, which took my interest enough to take the plunge.Recruitment had always lingered on my radar, given my background in sales. So, I thought, why not give it a shot?”How do you rate the progression opportunities within ATA?“The advancement track at ATA follows a well-defined and structured route. Throughout my nearly five years here, I have been guided by a clear plan that involves regular appraisals and meetings with my director. Chris, despite being based in Leicester, has been instrumental in keeping me on the path to my next career step. He is not only approachable but makes a genuine effort to stay in constant contact.Moreover, the role itself outlines transparent next steps and a realistic timeframe, accompanied by enticing rewards.”What is the most rewarding part of your job?"The highlight of my workdays is undoubtedly my team. The camaraderie among us in the Leeds office is truly uplifting, and we consistently find ourselves sharing great laughs. Despite being the only woman in the office, I never feel singled out.Our team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, yet we share a strong bond. The inclusive and supportive atmosphere we have cultivated makes work incredibly fulfilling."What do you enjoy about being a female in engineering?“Initially, the engineering role felt somewhat unfamiliar to me. However, the tremendous support from everyone around me ensured that I never felt any different from my male counterparts. In fact, being a woman in engineering became a source of motivation, revealing that my perspective could offer a unique angle compared to my male colleagues. It turned out to be a distinct advantage that added strength to our team dynamics.” What would you say to females looking to start a career in engineering?“My advice would be do not doubt yourself. You are more than capable. Do not let the words "engineering" and "manufacturing" intimidate you from giving it a shot. You will never know unless you try. I genuinely believe that if I can do it, anyone can, and the only thing you stand to lose is not giving it a go. My experience in recruitment has only made me more resilient and determined to give my best, reinforcing the idea that taking on challenges is often the key to personal and professional growth.”Find out more about a career with ATA Recruitment today. Send me your CV or connect with me on LinkedIn today.Telephone: 07920 595 229Email: rachael.bailey-frost@ganymedesolutions.co.ukLinkedIn: Connect on LinkedInFind out more about a career with ATA Recruitment and see our current vacancies
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