A decade of driving change in engineering
For ten years, the Graduate Engineering Engagement Programme has been transforming what it means to enter engineering. Designed to support those from underrepresented backgrounds, GEEP has not only helped hundreds of students build confidence, skills, and networks — it has also challenged the profession itself to become more inclusive and ambitious.
At a gathering of over 100 alumni, industry partners and educators in London, GEEP’s 10th anniversary spotlighted everything that’s been achieved: lives shaped, doors opened, and barriers challenged. The energy in the room was a reminder of the potential that comes when opportunity meets preparation.
The ongoing challenge
Despite progress, disparities persist. In 2025, Black or Black British and Asian or Asian British engineering graduates are still more than twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their white counterparts. It’s clear that real change demands sustained effort — from universities, employers, professional bodies, and communities.
Looking ahead
The anniversary event did more than reflect — it set a course for what comes next. From fostering stronger industry-university pipelines to launching a new alumni network, GEEP is gearing up to scale its impact. The message was loud and clear: inclusion isn’t an add-on. It’s essential to engineering’s future innovation and strength.
"GEEP is a drop in the ocean when we look at the bigger picture... companies, universities, and professional engineering institutions need to join in with a fresh ‘engineering’ approach,” says Professor Rachel Oliver FREng, incoming chair of the Academy’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee.
For a summary of the event, read our news release:
Graduate Engineering Engagement Programme celebrates 10th anniversary
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Vithursana Somasundaram is a Medical Engineering graduate from Cardiff University with a strong foundation in mechanical design, software development, and project leadership.
"Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the GEEP 10-year anniversary with the Royal Academy of Engineering a milestone that highlights a decade of impact, growth, and opportunity.
GEEP has created such an incredible platform for students to learn, connect, and thrive. Over the years, it has empowered so many people with the tools, resources, and network needed to take bold steps in their careers and communities. As well as providing industry partners the experience of showcasing their work and inspire students towards their success.
As a GEEP graduate and now an ambassador, I’ve experienced first hand how transformative programs like these can be. They don’t just provide knowledge and skills — they create a community of support, mentorship, and collaboration. For many of us, GEEP opened doors that might otherwise have felt out of reach, and showed what’s possible when opportunities are shared equitably.
Inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential to building resilient, future-ready systems. In engineering, we’re shaping the world people live in every day — which means the people shaping it need to reflect the richness of that world.
By fostering inclusive teams, we don’t just engineer better products — we engineer a better society.
It was also lovely to see everyone again and reconnect with the brilliant people who make this community so special. Here’s to the next decade of impact, collaboration, and opportunities!"
Source: Vithursana Somasundaram / LinkedIn
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