The Transforming Foundation Industries (TFI) Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is looking to support the development of the next generation of industry leaders through the launch of a fully-funded Leadership Programme.
The initiative aims to support the development of leadership qualities such as relationship building, effective delegation, and complex problem-solving skills.
Participants will also be empowered to understand and overcome the anxieties associated with leadership roles within the foundation industries, with support given to learn how to manage their time, energy and focus.
This inclusive scheme is open to individuals from varied age groups, ethnicities, genders, and sexes and to those with disabilities, who have entered the industry from a vocational background like apprentices or school leavers.
Additionally, applicants must actively work in the foundation industries or their immediate supply chains and should be emerging leaders at project or workstream level, or those who have recently taken up supervisory or line management roles.
Dr Neelam Mughal, Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK, said: “We are excited to be able to support individuals who are enthusiastic about the foundation industries and who want to make a positive change in the sector.
“As the challenges of creating a sustainable future become a reality, we need a diverse network of innovators and leaders from a broad range of backgrounds with the skills required to disrupt and transform these industries in the race to net zero.
“This Leadership Programme is designed to help fast-track those with vocational backgrounds into leadership positions by helping participants break down traditional barriers to progression.”
TFI unites the metals, glass, paper, ceramics, cement and chemicals sectors, with a primary mission to address environmental impact as well as increasing their global competitiveness.
TFI understands the challenges facing the foundation industries including: technological shifts, ambitious sustainability goals, and economic uncertainty. These challenges mean trusted, transformative leaders are needed to drive change.
Successful applicants will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis and the deadline to apply is Thursday 11th January. Further information and a link to apply can be found here.
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