SummitSkills urges industry employers to support building-services-engineering diplomas
SummitSkils is urging the building-services industry to support two new engineering diplomas being introduced by schools.
SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building-services engineering (BSE), is urging building-services employers to support two new diplomas that are being introduced by schools during the academic year 2008/09. The diplomas are in engineering and in construction and the built environment. Both contain elements that are relevant to BSE and give schools and colleges the opportunity to teach BSE options to students aged 14 to 19. Their aim is to improve the understanding of engineering and the built environment by showing young people how exciting and challenging the industries can be and providing them with industry knowledge and broader experiential learning, resulting in employees whose practical skills and overall business awareness promise greater productivity. A guide from SummitSkills explains how employers can become involved. One way is to provide placements for the statutory 10-day work experience required as part of the qualification. Another is to allow teachers to spend time with industry companies to keep their knowledge up to date. Other possibilities include visiting schools, colleges and careers events to talk directly to pupils and, perhaps, become a mentor. Employers could also supply resource materials for the classroom and provide real-life technical problems for students to solve. Keith Marshall, chief executive of SummitSkills, explains, ‘These diplomas have been driven by the industries’ skills requirements and developed with employers. For them to be successful, it is essential that ongoing contribution from employers keeps the teaching relevant and supplies students with appropriate experiences of the “real” world of work. ‘Employers’ enthusiasm and commitment will help bring building-services engineering to life for students. In return, they will benefit from a pool of potential employees trained to a high standard, with a good understanding of construction and engineering principles and experience of the work place.’ More information by telephoning 01908 303960 or from the web sites below.
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