The inaugural meeting of the Education & Careers Panel of the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) took place on the 4 April in London. I represented the ICG on this Panel. The M.O. is basically to develop or enhance the provision of career info. about the profession, to widen understanding amongst those who would normally advise young people on the career area and to use the present climate to promote the profession as a viable, rewarding and lucrative career.
The ICE Panel is chaired by Sir Roland Jackson. Panel members come from education (schools and FE/HE), careers sector & employers mostly. The first meeting chewed over the terms of reference and identified the ICE Pre-19 Ed & careers policy. The Panel was also given an update on recent & on-going ICE Ed/career activities The panel was encouraged to read and discuss how the TESS (Technology & Engineering Strategy for Schools) might be used to help bring some cohesion to the group's intent. Points of some discomfort were raised, such as schools releasing Teachers for CPD activities, the dearth of new science teachers!, and problems in reaching some schools.
The first meeting ended positively, with a number of really useful observations and suggestions being made to influence the agenda for the next meet (10 July). The next agenda, therefore, contains topics like; London 2012, Apprenticeships and Technician routes into the profession, use of role models and the 14-19 Specialized Diplomas. The buffet lunch was just OK!! (lovely biscuits though, all buttery) |
