Article featured on www.architectsdatafile.co.uk
RICS sponsors new educational scheme to encourage young talent into a career in design, engineering and construction.
Students from schools in London and the South East were invited to RICS’ HQ on Parliament Square to celebrate the launch of one of the most innovative secondary education programmes in recent years.
The groundbreaking Design Engineer Construct!® Curriculum developed by Class of Your Own (COYO) brings together industry and education to inspire and encourage future built environment professionals. The curriculum is aimed at a generation of tech savvy young learners who need support to grasp the application of pure subjects and how they relate to solving some of the world’s greatest challenges in sustainable living.
In order to encourage industry involvement, COYO has developed the ‘Adopt A School’ scheme with RICS being one of its earliest adopters. RICS is sponsoring students from Clacton Coastal Academy and encouraging others in the industry to do the same.
The event included a keynote speech from Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford, who commented:
“Nurturing future talent and using the collaborative nature of Building Information Modelling (BIM) through DEC will ensure the delivery of sustainable growth in the UK economy. By harnessing the excitement and confidence of this younger generation, we can change the perception of careers in the Built Environment and secure the UK’s competitive advantage for the future. Industry needs to support this significant initiative which reflects the knowledge and skills required by professionals in this technologically advanced industry.”
Other speakers included Alison Watson, land surveyor and Founding Director of Class of Your Own. Alison said:
“Design Engineer Construct! presents an amazing opportunity to answer a young person’s question “When will we ever use the stuff we learn?”. If we’re really going to solve the problem of skills shortages in this country, it’s absolutely critical that industry pulls together to help children, their parents, and especially their teachers, understand the significance of the built environment and the opportunities it offers.”
Michael Newey, President of RICS said:
“This is a truly inspiring initiative that will bring to life the world of design, construction and engineering to many school children around the UK. We are delighted to sponsor a school and fully support Class of Your Own.”
The event also saw presentations from some of the pupils undertaking the course, including representatives from Clacton Coastal Academy, Graveney School and The Compton School. So far, 80 schools across the country have signed up for the scheme.
Adoption of a school is open to organisations of all sizes, either as sole adopters or through a consortium with other members and involves minimum investment in a two year programme in order to achieve maximum results by educating the industry’s future talent.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact support@classofyourown.com for more information.
