I have written recently about the importance of STEM, the value of our future generations, and the work we are doing to bridge the gap between academia and industry to create better synergy for our workforce. Recently we have developed a new council at Gambica, which will help voice this message across our industry: the Gambica Young Council (GYC). Founded last year, the GYC is a group of 16 individuals across all of Gambica’s five sectors: industrial automation; process instrumentation and control; laboratory technology; test and measurement; and university engagement. They are all in the first ten years of their careers and have a variety of backgrounds, from apprentices to university graduates. Some have worked in industry, while others have little or no commercial experience. The exciting element of this group – in addition to their tremendous enthusiasm – is their fresh take on trade association activities. Historically, association work has often been regarded as being an “old boys club”. As much as I resent hearing this phrase, it is eye-opening to discover what a new group can bring to an association in terms of ideas and ambitions, which ordinarily would not have been part of its role. This group is intended to be a voice for early career professionals in Gambica’s member sectors, and to complement the experience in the organisation’s current strategic governance structure. The group has developed three main areas that they want to work on: STEM; sustainability; and personal development. These were recurring themes of importance in the group, and the GYC members are now working on various initiatives to help develop these areas. To start, the Council members are all becoming recognised as STEM ambassadors. This is an easy way to get our message to even younger generations. It was felt that because the GYC members are also at an early stage in their careers, young people would relate to them better. The young council members are determined to champion our industry. We are working hard to link them to our other sectors and interest groups at Gambica, ensuring that their work is aligned and the resource is maximised. It is great for us to see like-minded individuals from different sectors working together, learning to understand each other’s sectors, businesses and industries, and creating the “community” part of Gambica membership benefits. Trade associations are a great way for businesses to enhance their knowledge and impact and to become more competitive in an ever-changing industry. However it can be difficult for member companies to do this alongside their competitors. Despite the businesses having varying goals, targets and strategies, there are some underlying goals which overlap and with which we can work together to help champion our industries. I recently heard about a professor who gave a balloon to every student and got each of them to write their name on it and to throw it into a hall. He then gave them five minutes to find their own balloon. None of them managed to do this. He then told every student to pick up any balloon and hand it to the person whose name was written on it. Within five minutes, every person had their own balloon back. This brilliant analogy demonstrates how teamwork and collaboration can bring efficiency and success, as long as we are able to assist one another. This idea can be replicated within the work of our associations and is why it can be important to help gain through cooperation. It’s about collaboration and teamwork. Along with the GYC, there is also a wider GYC consultancy group which members who are not on the council can join. So if this is of interest to your business, please get in touch with a Gambica staff member.n * Gambica is the trade association for the automation, control, instrumentation and laboratory technology sectors in the UK. You can get in touch with Nikesh Mistry on 020 7642 8094 or nikesh.mistry@gambica.org.uk, or via the Gambica Web site: www.gambica.org.uk Young eyes throw a new light on Gambica’s activities Gambica has set up a “council” of 16 young people to take a new look at the association’s role from a young perspective. Nikesh Mistry*, Gambica’s sector head for automation, reports on how this council is throwing a new light on the trade body’s activities. “It is great for us to see like-minded individuals from different sectors working together, learning to understand each other’s sectors, businesses and industries, and creating the ‘community’ part of Gambica membership benefits” 58 April 2023 www.drivesncontrols.com
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