In-Comm Training urges industry to back its ‘I’m Included’ inclusivity campaign

A campaign celebrating inclusivity and diversity in industry was launched in June by a specialist UK training provider. ‘I’m In-Comm, I’m Included’ was the message championed by apprentices, learners and staff at In-Comm Training as they aimed to break down barriers faced by women, ethnic minorities and harder-to-reach groups considering a career in engineering and manufacturing.

The message was delivered through a 90-second video featuring personal testimonies from over 15 individuals based at the company’s technical academies in Aldridge and Telford. The campaign became a rallying call to individuals, ambassadors and businesses to act on their own inclusivity initiatives, connect with their communities and share their stories.

The movement was amplified on social media through the #imincluded hashtag, with In-Comm planning future networking events and the annual celebration of an ‘Inclusivity and Diversity Day’.

“There have been major strides made, but this is just the start. We wanted to accelerate the good work and help industry bridge the major skills gap we face by being even more inclusive,” says Bekki Phillips, Executive Director at In-Comm Training. “A lot of firms talk about it, that is true. However, the message needs to be louder, and we felt that we wanted to seize the moment and launch a campaign that everyone associated with industry could get involved in.”

She continues: “We spoke with learners, employers, apprentices and our Skills Steering Group and the unanimous decision was made to launch ‘I’m In-Comm, I’m Included’. The video was just the beginning. The real power lies in people and organisations coming forward to share their own journeys.”

In-Comm Training has spent the past eight years raising awareness of apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities among underrepresented communities across the West Midlands.

The results of this effort have been tangible, with nearly 17% of its apprentices identifying as female and a similar proportion from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds – both figures above national averages.

Bekki Phillips adds: “Progress has been made, but these figures are still nowhere near where they should be. Industry is for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, religion or beliefs, and we’re committed to proving that every day.”

To support the campaign’s launch, In-Comm mobilised its 20 IC Ambassadors and 75-strong workforce to spread the message. Several employers and partners also pledged their backing.

These included Made in the Midlands, the Confederation of British Metalforming, Aldridge and Brownhills MP Wendy Morton, and key members of the Skills Steering Group such as Accura Engineering, Alwayse Engineering, Brandauer, FBC Manby Bowdler, Frederick Cooper Birmingham, Gestamp, Guhring and Metsec.

“Engineering has a lot of opportunities and we need the skills to make them happen. That’s why it is so important that we do more to attract people who bring different mindsets, attributes and personalities to the sector,” says Geraldine Bolton, CEO of CBM. “It’s fantastic that In-Comm Training has seized the moment and started running a campaign that we all need to get on board with. Now is the perfect time to stop sitting back and start making a real difference together.”

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director at Professional Polishing Services, also shares her enthusiasm for the campaign: “I’m delighted to support In-Comm Training with their fantastic campaign to celebrate inclusivity and diversity in the industrial sector. This support includes Women with Metal inviting two of their apprentices to attend the 2025 conference as our guests, enabling them to meet and network with women and allies from the metal and manufacturing sectors. The team at In-Comm are doing a fantastic job engaging with people to show that industry is for all and we are so excited to see the impact this campaign has.”

On 11 July, the industry came together to celebrate the incredible achievements of apprentices and industry partners at the annual In-Comm Awards. The new ‘I’m Included’ inclusivity campaign was the underlying theme of the evening, highlighting the importance of representation, opportunity and equity across the sector. It was a powerful moment to reflect on progress and reaffirm a shared commitment to opening up careers in engineering and manufacturing to everyone.

Looking ahead, In-Comm hopes to take the ‘I’m In-Comm, I’m Included’ message all the way to Whitehall and involve Jacqui Smith, the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education.

Nteokan Egopija was one of the inspiring faces featured in the campaign video. She began her Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship at a leading aerospace firm in September 2023, after deciding that the traditional academic path was not for her. “It’s been one of the best decisions I have made,” she explains. “I’ve really enjoyed learning the technical elements and then applying them in real-life engineering scenarios, all while earning a wage. From the moment I stepped into In-Comm Training’s Technical Academy in Telford, I felt welcome. If you throw yourself into the course, you will get so much respect, help, advice and friendship. I would definitely recommend it to other girls who are practical and good problem solvers. This is why I wanted to be involved in the ‘I’m In-Comm, I’m Included’ video. It’s important to get the message out there that manufacturing does not discriminate – in short, industry is for all.”

Nteokan Egopija has already set her sights on completing HNC/HND qualifications and pursuing a career in engineering design.

Wendy Morton, MP for Aldridge and Brownhills, says: “I was delighted to support In-Comm’s ‘I’m Included’ campaign. It is another fantastic initiative from the training provider that is helping bridge the gap in our region while championing inclusivity and diversity in industry.”