Steve Mason, the ICG's representative for the North East reports on ICE's (Institute for Civil Engineers) Career & Education Forum which was held in London on 27th November 2006.
The Institute are preparing themselves for the 14-19 Diplomas (the word 'Specialised' has apparently been dropped!) and have been very participative in the design of the 'Construction & Built Environment' Diploma with the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority), which will be one of the 5 pilot Diploma's. There is hope that these Diplomas will encourage more young people into the industry. It was also reported that the 'Skills Minister' will be much more involved in the content of each Diploma. The group discussed the strategy for the employment of appropriate teachers into schools to deliver the new Diplomas. Also if young people opt for the Diploma at 13/14 then that will be at the expense of traditional cultural heritage subjects (History, Geography, Art, Technology etc.) and as the Government want a 40% take-up across KS4 this has major implications for guidance practitioners.
There was a discussion on 'QUEST' (Undergraduate Scholarship) and it was reported that there were 161 applications for funding this year and 80 awards made. The amount of the award has been raised in line with tuition fees. It is now at £1700 per year for up to 4 years. The SSC will, from 2007, add to this award making a total of £2000 per year for 4 years.
The CITB also offer 'awards' (called 'Inspire') to CE Undergraduates, but to try to stave off confusion, the CITB (SSC) & QUEST are in discussion to amalgamate to one award from 2007 (& thus one application!). The TESS is also about to send to all secondary schools a directory of construction related activities to be used within technology. The group were also introduced to the final version of the 'Flushed Away' game to be introduced into all primary schools imminently. The game - based upon the film - is designed to introduce concepts of construction design etc. to a young audience. The recent views regarding the relative value of 21st Century Science were also discussed especially in relation to post 16 study and appropriateness for science based careers.
The group listened to a presentation by Ruth Wright from the Engineering Council on current issues (in engineering) in the post-16 sector. Amongst many other points, Ruth illustrated the steady downward (3.3%) spiral of WBT (Work based training) opportunities and general take up amongst young people, against an increase of 3.4% into school 6th form. There is also a tension in construction that many young people (82%) study to Level 2 and do not progress to L3, which is resulting in skills deficits. Only 18% of 16-18 year olds trained to L3 in construction skills last year. Of more concern, it was reported that despite all the efforts of WISE ( The Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction) and other initiatives, the make up of the engineering & construction sector still only reflects 1% female participation!! | 
