Nominations now open for Engineering Talent Awards 2026
04/02/2026
EqualEngineers has launched nominations for the annual Engineering Talent Awards (ETAs), which celebrate the diversity of the engineering profession. The awards open for nominations from this week and the winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner in October 2026, where a stellar line-up of industry figures will be present.
In partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Metro, the ETAs raise the profile of engineering and technology across the UK and highlight diversity on a national platform, inspiring people to consider a career in engineering and technology through elevating positive role models.
The Awards aim to celebrate the value that engineers bring to society in improving everyday life, while connecting people in engineering and technology to foster greater collaboration and championing the diversity of organisations delivering excellent engineering projects.
Mark McBride-Wright, Founder & CEO of EqualEngineers said: “Engineering is a profession with a wealth of talent and opportunity, but unfortunately it is not well-known for the diversity of career opportunity which it gives you. Past award winners have gone on to have incredible achievements since we started the ETAs in 2020, some becoming well-known engineering influencers.
“I am determined to keep shining a light and platforming successful engineers and engineering organisations, despite the headwinds we face at this moment in time in terms of the misunderstanding of diversity. It allows for greater innovation and excellence and we will only continue to have this if we maintain equitable access to opportunities. We need many engineers in the years ahead and these awards are a source of inspiration for attracting, developing and retaining talent.”
This year, the award categories include:
- Engineering Apprentice of the Year
- Engineering Graduate of the Year (supported by SLR Consulting)
- Engineering Student of the Year (supported by Amazon)
- Engineer of the Year
- Engineering Returner of the Year
- Executive Leader of the Year (supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering)
- Engineering Student Society of the Year
- Inclusion Programme of the Year
- Employee Network of the Year
- Innovation of the Year
- Small-Medium Enterprise of the Year (supported by Rolls-Royce SMR)
- Large Employer of the Year
- Education in Engineering Team of the Year
- Education in Engineering Staff Member of the Year.
An Overall Excellence in Engineering Award will be given on the evening to the overall winner.
An esteemed judging panel comprising individuals from influential engineering organisations, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, EngineeringUK and the Engineering Council, will evaluate entries with shortlisted entries to be announced in the summer.
Nominations for the Engineering Talent Awards 2026 are now open and will be accepted until Friday 27 March 2026.
As the Engineering Talent Awards continue to expand, EqualEngineers is actively seeking partnerships with organisations passionate about supporting and engaging with the engineering community. Sponsorship opportunities are available, providing a unique platform for visibility and engagement at one of the industry’s premier events.
www.engineeringtalentawards.com
