Member Article

Institute of Civil Engineers bridges the skills gap

Students in Middleborough have been recruited by the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) in a scheme to interest young people in a future career in engineering.

A shortage of engineers and skills in the sector has resulted in a push from the organisation to get young people interested in engineering by making information about careers more available.

ICE North East and the Environment Agency worked with nearly 200 primary school pupils at St Peter’s Catholic College in Southbank on model bridges to give an insight into civil engineering.

“The bridge” project was used to engage with pupils from feeder schools around the Middlesbrough area and to open up the industry as a career option.

Pauline Vipond, School Activities Co-ordinator for ICE North East, said: “One of the key roles of the Institution of Civil Engineers is to encourage more people to consider pursuing careers in the industry.

“One of the best ways to do this is to get into schools and engage with young people at an early age. The more informed young people are about a career path, the more likely they are to consider it as an option.”

Gerald Lee, of the Environment Agency, which transported “The Bridge” project, said: “It is vital that employers engage with, and educate, young people about what careers are available to them.

“Civil engineering is vital to the way the world works, but young people will never aspire for a career in the sector if they have no understanding of what it entails.That makes activities such as this carry huge importance for the pupils and the environment alike.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .