February 6, 2019

06 Feb 2019

COYO partners with University of Edinburgh and Balfour Beatty to support Castlebrae DEC students

COYO partners with University of Edinburgh and Balfour Beatty to support Castlebrae DEC students

Following recent reports into the value of DEC from Heriot Watt and Salford Universities, it’s great to see other leading universities joining the charge to inspire and support the next generation of Built Environment professionals.

Huge thanks to the wonderful staff and graduates of the University of Edinburgh, who have joined forces with Castlebrae High School to support teachers and students as they start their own (ad)venture(!) through the DEC learning programme.

Read all about it here:

https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2019/scheme-inspires-future-buildings-experts

in COYO, DEC & Industry /by David/#permalink

September 5, 2018

05 Sep 2018

New report is evidence DEC benefits industry and academia in supporting development of genuine pipeline of AEC talent in secondary schools

Alison Watson MBE, CEO of Class of Your Own

“On behalf of Class Of Your Own, I’m very pleased to see the launch of the NSC/CITB funded Heriot Watt University ‘Mutual Benefit’ report which outlines the first year of an ongoing academic research project currently being undertaken with DEC teachers and learners at Drummond Community High School in Edinburgh.

The report presents clear evidence of the benefits of the Design Engineer Construct! Learning Programme to industry and academia in supporting the development of a genuine pipeline of AEC talent in secondary schools.

Professor Fiona Grant , Director of Learning & Teaching at HWU’s School of Energy Geoscience Infrastructure & Society said:

“Heriot Watt University fully supports the DEC initiative and are delighted to participate. Our staff and students involved have been blown away by the responses from pupils.

Working with the young talented pupils at Drummond High School has been inspirational for all involved. Developing their knowledge of the various roles undertaken in the built environment is helping the sector to attract new talent.

The job opportunities at all levels, the use of new technologies and the impact this can have on human life, environment and sustainability has enthused pupils to consider undertaking a rewarding career.

This report clearly demonstrates collaborative working between Heriot Watt University, Drummond High School and Laing O’Rouke is making a big impact, creating an exciting future for pupils. Congratulations to all involved.”

Please join us in celebrating this report by sharing with your networks – Heriot Watt University will issue a press release on 6th September via leading industry and education media channels, and across social media.

Read & share report >

May we take this opportunity once again to thank you for your continued support – this report represents a huge leap for the Construction industry as top choice for technical and professional STEM careers, right where it belongs!

Alison Watson MBE
Chief Executive, ‘Class of Your Own’ Ltd

in Curriculum News, DEC & Industry /by Alison Watson/#permalink

June 25, 2018

25 Jun 2018

CSIC appoints three women leaders to its refreshed board

Seven new board members join the ranks of the Innovation Centre, championing change, diversity and inclusiveness.

In recognition of the need to address board diversity head-on and reflecting the growing appetite for innovation across the industry, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) has appointed three women among seven new additions to its governance board.

Alison Watson MBE, Founder and CEO of Class of Your Own Ltd, Jeanette MacIntyre, Managing Director of Indeglas Ltd and Sara Thiam, Regional Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Scotland have been appointed as board members. They join renowned industry expert Mark Farmer, founder of Cast Consultancy and author of ‘Modernise or Die’ – the UK Government Review of the Construction Labour Model in 2016, Dave Philp, Global BIM Consultancy Director at AECOM, Steve Petrie, Business Improvement Lead for Balfour Beatty and Douglas Morrison, STEM and Innovation Lead at City of Glasgow College, bringing the number serving on the board up to 16.

Read more →

in DEC & Industry /by DEC/#permalink

March 19, 2018

19 Mar 2018

Geospatial trailblazer

It’s no surprise that our CEO Alison is over the moon to tell the world about the new Geospatial apprenticeship pathways just announced. COYO has worked closely with our lovely friends at Topcon Positioning, The Survey Association and Chartered Institute Of Civil Engineering Surveyors to support the introduction of surveying in our schools.

We’ve already got some great students lined up for a life less ordinary!

#loveSurveying

Read more →

in DEC & Industry, Headline News Industry /by DEC/#permalink

May 31, 2017

31 May 2017

Recruiting now: DEC Industry Support

“I wish I’d had this when I was at school!”

That’s something we hear often from our friends in industry, and now we’re looking for a dynamic evangelist who understands the importance of inspiring the next generation of professionals (and their teachers!) to discover the digital construction industry.

After winning a significant contract to deliver the DEC Learning Programme in Shropshire and Herefordshire schools, this position would suit a self motivated, enthusiastic and personable individual who is looking for a career change that offers genuine job satisfaction.

Full details here: Current Vacancies

Closing date 15th June 2017.

in DEC & Industry /by DEC/#permalink

March 13, 2017

13 Mar 2017

Topcon helps COYO to inspire the next generation of land surveyors

by GeoConnexion

In the latest stage of a five year commitment to Design Engineer Construct!® (DEC), Topcon GB & Ireland is helping to launch a new land surveying programme for schools in the UK to educate students and spark their interest in land surveying careers.

Topcon’s support includes the donation of ten comprehensive surveying kits containing the most cutting-edge surveying hardware and software. The team will also be working closely with both DEC and the schools to make sure students and teachers are getting the most out of the equipment.

As a key partner of the programme, Topcon is working closely with DEC to launch the new land surveying teaching programme and provide essential equipment to assist the learning.

Read more →

in DEC & Industry, Headline News Industry /by DEC/#permalink

February 8, 2017

08 Feb 2017

DEC students present on Samsung stand at BETT show and make new industry connections

Year 13 DEC students from Future Tech Studio presented on the Samsung stand at this year’s BETT Show. The invitation came in recognition of the group’s high ability and enthusiasm for learning about design, engineering and construction.

Samsung were looking for cohorts of students and teachers who could demonstrate how they utilise the latest technology in their lessons; an activity which is intrinsic to the DEC learning programme.

The students demonstrated the flexibility of Samsung touchscreens showing off their Revit skills and the use of multimedia content throughout the design process. Professional, polite and enthusiastic, they had very positive feedback from visitors to the stand and industry experts.

Read more →

in DEC & Industry, DEC Students, Headline News Industry /by DEC/#permalink

November 20, 2016

20 Nov 2016

Kinross High School among the first in UK to benefit from WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff’s new engagement programme with schools

in DEC & Industry /by DEC/#permalink

October 18, 2016

18 Oct 2016

Design Engineer Construct! included in the Farmer Review

“You can’t cherry pick at it, you need to have a coordinated effort in order to change the industry.”

That’s the message given by Mark Farmer, ‘man on a mission’ and author of The Farmer Review of the UK Construction Labour Model, carried out on behalf of the government’s Construction Leadership Council.

The Construction industry has its challenges, but without doubt, one of its greatest is that of attracting new talent into the industry. Never has the time for joined up thinking been more critical, and having spent the last eight years promoting STEM focused technical and professional careers through the DEC learning programme and associated competitions and events, we very much welcome this report.

Our message to industry remains the same: support schools in the longer term, and in doing so, you’ll inspire teachers, young people AND their parents, and ultimately grow your own talent.

Read more →

in DEC & Industry /by Alison Watson/#permalink

September 24, 2016

24 Sep 2016

DEC kick-off in Turner Townsend office

As part of the ‘Adopt a School’ programme, Turner Townsend welcomed students from Cardinal Wiseman Secondary School to their London office, to learn about Built Environment careers.

Since September 2015, they have been supporting students and teachers as part of the DEC curriculum. As part of the ‘Adopt a School’ programme, they have embarked on their second year of sponsoring Cardinal Wiseman Secondary School in Ealing, West London. Creating opportunities for children and young people is one of the primary objectives of their community value corporate social responsibility pillar.

Read more →

in DEC & Industry, Headline News Students /by DEC/#permalink