The Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK) is inviting ambitious leaders to join its Transcend programme.

This online initiative, now in its third cohort, is a 12-week transformative experience designed to equip participants with the skills, mindset and confidence needed to lead in today’s dynamic workplace

Targeted at BME (black and minority ethnic) professionals with over 10 years’ experience in senior engineering and technical roles, the programme aims to help them advance to high-level management and executive positions.

Additionally, it seeks to drive organisational and institutional change in leadership structures, with the goal of promoting and retaining more people of colour in management and executive roles. Participants will gain practical insights, connect with industry leaders and develop winning habits that will set them apart.

The modules will include content on:

• Commercial awareness
• Organisational understanding
• Self-awareness
• Effective leadership and management
• Advanced communication

The deadline for applications to the Transcend Programme is Friday the 28th of March. Places are limited. Participants will attend online for two hours a week over the 12 weeks. Companies also have the opportunity to sponsor interested individuals through the Transcend training.

Tolu Falade (pictured above), who leads the Transcend programme on behalf of AFBE-UK, said: “Now in its third instalment, the Transcend Leadership Programme has continued to transform careers, equipping engineering processionals with the skills, confidence and commercial acumen needed to step into executive roles. This year we’re sharpening our focus on content aimed at providing our participants with practical insights into executive leadership.

Previous Transcend programmes have propelled professionals into senior roles, and 2025 promises to be even more impactful. If you are passionate about developing your leadership skills and driving meaningful change in your sector, now is the time to act – join us and take your place among the next generation of leaders.”

The programme starts in April, running through to July. AFBE-UK supports young people, particularly those from BME backgrounds, with career aspirations in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

The AFBE-UK was founded in 2007 to support professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds and promote greater diversity in the engineering sector. Through mentoring, career development and industry engagement, AFBE-UK provides opportunities for individuals at all career stages to thrive. 

With a strong presence across the UK, with hubs in London, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the organisation collaborates with businesses, government bodies and academic institutions to drive meaningful change. AFBE-UK Scotland was launched in Aberdeen in 2011.

AFBE-UK also delivers flagship programmes designed to support professionals at different stages of their careers. Real Projects engages young people with hands-on engineering activities, exposing them to real-world industry challenges. 

Transition equips students and early-career professionals with practical career guidance, interview coaching and networking opportunities. In addition, the NextGen and Making Engineering Hot (MEH) programmes use role models to inspire and inform pupils aged 6 to 18 about engineering careers.