DEC News - design...engineer...construct!®

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

July 12, 2018

12 Jul 2018

Alison Watson to speak at IPSEF Middle East 2018

Class of Your Own’s CEO Alison Watson will be speaking at this year’s International and Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) in Dubai this September.

IPSEF’s unrivalled blend of speakers, exhibitors and delegates create a unique and powerful platform for anyone needing to identify best practice in planning and delivering a new school, and those wanting to make connections with potential investors, suppliers and regulators.

IPSEF Middle East 2018 will be held at the exciting KHDA Headquarters to create a vibrant and distinctly different kind of event. Held over a weekend IPSEF Middle East promises a creative, dynamic and fresh environment in which to meet, learn and network.

IPSEF Middle East
21-23 September 2018
KHDA Headquarters, Academic City, Dubai

in COYO /by DEC/#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.

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

A Home for Everyone winning designs are judged to be exceptional

UK students have wowed a gathering of esteemed industry judges with their home design skills. As they decided on the winners of this year’s Class Of Your Own design challenge our judges said of all the entries:

“Excellent submissions. Many presented to professional standards. If they can achieve this now, just think what they could do as qualified professionals!”

The ‘Home for Everyone Design Challenge’ was launched in Spring 2017, with the support of the CIC and the Office for Disability Issues. This unique opportunity challenged young people to create the ideal inclusive house.

Students were encouraged to think about the range of people who live in their community, on their street and in their town. The very young to the very old, the fit and not fit, disabled and able-bodied, and those who face different challenges in their everyday lives.

Using their ingenuity and creativity, our winning teams designed a safe, comfortable, accessible and secure house, that truly supports health and well being; houses that are truly a home.

Meet our winners…