Partner Article

Students take part in residential engineering scheme

Sixth formers and employers have taken part in a three-day residential programme in Newcastle to help encourage young people to consider engineering careers. The Engineering Education Scheme (EES) is administered by the Engineering Development Trust and is part of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Best Programme. Of the 45 teams taking part in the Newcastle event, 15 were focused on civil engineering projects.

Teams of three to five sixth formers, came from across the North East and were joined by employers from across the region. The event marked the midway point of a two-term link-up between the students and employers.

Projects included working with hydraulics, looking at the environmental impact of civil engineering activities and strength tests on materials.

Mike Gardiner, regional education co-ordinator for the Institute of Civil Engineers North East, said: “ICE has a strong ethos in the North East of encouraging young people to get involved in civil engineering and the Engineering Education Scheme is a great way of doing so. “By working with employers over a period of time on practical projects, the sixth formers involved are getting a real taste of industry.”

Bryan Lawrence, regional director of EES, said: “For the bright students taking part, the opportunity to be involved in real engineering projects is a great motivator. There is clear evidence that the experience has a positive influence on career choices and we are delighted by the growing support from civil engineering companies in this region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .