Our work in schools

Did you know that the number of professionally qualified civil engineers working in the region is projected to fall by 1/3 over the next 15 years?

As a result, ICE South East England has responded to our members desires to put greater emphasis on working with young people.  We have established strong relationships with the local STEMNET (Science, Technology, Education and Maths Network), EBPs (Education Business Partnerships), schools and local companies.

As a region, we have also developed a number of resources to use with young people, including a 'spot the civil engineering' cartoon and the Piers Project.  Initiated by ICE, STEM Kent and volunteer teachers and engineers, the Piers Project aims to produce a range of classroom activities for a range of ages. It’s centered around the design and construction of Piers and will promote the working environment of the civil engineering profession to students, whilst enhancing and applying what they learn across the curriculum.

Going forward our aims are to:

  • Encourage members to become STEM ambassadors
  • Encourage companies to promote their industry
  • Organise more Engineering Your Future events (sixth form)
  • Showcase Rapid Response Challenges for Key Stage 3 (secondary)
  • Continue to develop resources for volunteers
  • Maintain good working relationships with STEMNET and EBPs
  • Formally recognise excellence in outreach work both by individuals and companies

How can you help?

There are a number of ways that you can get involved in our work with young people:

  • Become a STEM ambassador
  • Encourage others in your company to get involved
  • Use your expertise to help us develop resources
  • Support events advertised by ICE, STEMNET and local EBP’s
  • Run your own events!

For more information on ICE's work with schools, or to learn more about getting involved, please contact Regional Director John Laverty either by telephone (0118 986 8896) or email (john.laverty@ice.org.uk)

Engineering Your Future

Our work in schools

This joint IMechE, IET, ICE (and others) and STEM event is run for 6th formers studying science and maths at A-Level to encourage them to consider engineering as a future career.

Five 40 minute activities are designed and delivered in rotation during the day (by volunteers) to give students a flavour of what the different disciplines entail.

Events are currently run in Sussex and Oxford with the RST representing ICE. The long term aim is to find volunteers in each county who can organise EYF in their ‘patch’ so students from all counties across the region can benefit.

Rapid Response Challenge

Our work in schools

This day long activity for Key Stage 3 (approx 14 years old) focuses on how engineering supports our way of life, rebuilding shelter and water supplies after a natural disaster.

It is an ICE activity delivered by Education Business Partnerships, with volunteer support from ICE members organised through the RST.

The Rapid Response Challenge is currently delivered in schools in Berkshire, Hampshire and Sussex, but our hope is that in the future it will be delivered in all counties across the region.