Step into Civil Engineering

Step into Civil Engineering

Ten students from the Wavell School in Farnborough recently visited Carillion HQ in Bracknell to take part in a Step into Civil Engineering Day. The event was organised by First Partnership, the local Education Business Partnership Company.

The day began with a workplace tour and discussion with Andrew Trewick, Regional Director of Carillion Infrastructure, before students were challenged to make a replica of the showcase Bridge for 2012. The year ten students worked in pairs with the support of trained staff from across Carillion to understand the process of Civil Engineering. 

Andrew Trewick, Regional Director for Carillion Infrastructure stated: “We wanted to run this event for several reasons. Firstly to promote the industry to females and to demonstrate how they might have a successful career within engineering and secondly to give young people a rounded understanding of the types of jobs available within the industry”

Tizzy Bowman, Community Liaison Adviser for Carillion, who delivered the activity, commented that: “The students had an excellent time with us at Carillion, not only did they learn about how a workplace operates they also got to talk to senior managers and to take part in a hands-on activity which demonstrated the role of engineering in the 2012 Olympics.”

Students were given different materials in which to design and build a showcase bridge in the most cost effective method. Judges looked at the innovative designs and money spent on materials before choosing a winning group.

Karen Gilbert, Work Related Learning Co-ordinator for The Wavell School was impressed with how smoothly the event ran and what the students gained.
She stated: “These YR10 girls are in the process of thinking about future careers. This day has really helped them to gain an understanding of engineering careers and to consider it as a potential career.”

Tracy Marlow, Operations Manager at First Partnership commented “We organise these events to bridge the gap between education and business. Step into Days give businesses an opportunity to show young people what they do and what sort of careers they offer, young people benefit by becoming further inspiring with thoughts on a potential future career”

If you would like to know more, please call 01252 852471 or email enquiries@firstpartnership.com