Media release - 5/8/2009
ETB and Royal Academy Take Part in Live Guardian Discussion on Engineering as Part of ‘Science: So What So Everything' campaign
Careers representatives from the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) and the Royal Academy of Engineering today took part in a live online web discussion about engineering careers. The discussion, organised by the ‘Science for Careers’ expert group, follows on from a successful previous discussion about science careers.
The live informal engineering discussion, aimed at informing young people about the wide range of engineering careers, was hosted on the Guardian online Careers Community website from 1-4pm today, and featured live Questions and Answers, tips, hints and practical advice on engineering options and opportunities, job hunting, working and progressing in engineering careers.
The discussion was led by a panel of six engineering experts including Catherine Teague, Senior Careers Executive at the ETB and Heather Hawthorne, HE STEM Programme Director at the Royal Academy of Engineering, as well as representatives from across the corporate and recruitment sectors. Catherine and Heather were representing the Science: So what? So everything campaign which promotes career options and opportunities in science and engineering.
The idea was to provide an informal forum in which web users could ask questions, and exchange information, ideas and useful resources about science and engineering informally on their own terms.
Diana Garnham, Chair of the Science for Careers Group, said: “Today’s discussion provided an excellent opportunity for young people to find out about science and engineering careers, but also for early and mid career professionals to speak openly and informally to a wide range of expert advisors in the science and engineering fields. Online platforms which bring key players together in this way and enable them to pass on their collective expertise, are key to inspiring young people and engendering discussion and debate.”
Catherine Teague, Senior Careers Executive at the ETB, said: “Live online discussions can provide young people with crucial access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions about their future careers. It is vital that the STEM community continues to embrace the internet as a means of actively engaging people in the vast array of engineering careers, in particular via interactive web discussion forums like the one today.”
Heather Hawthorne of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Our experience of working with young people in the London Engineering Project tells us that good careers advice is vital for students facing decisions about their future career. We have learnt that students need to be inspired throughout their education but as they approach a major decision point about the future they need accurate and up to date sources of information from people they trust, so they are able to make the right decision for them.”
For more information and to view the discussion, you can read the full article here.
Notes to Editors
1.) Future Morph is the Science Council’s website designed to provide information for young people, their parents and teachers about careers available from studying science and maths. It is designed to show that studying science, technology, engineering or maths beyond the age of 16 isn’t just a one track road to a life in a lab – the skills and knowledge you gain are valuable in almost any career and will make you very employable. For more information see www.futuremorph.org.
3.) To find out more about the Science: So what? So everything campaign visit www.direct.gov.uk/sciencesowhat
For further information please contact:
Laura Marsh, Senior Communications Executive, EngineeringUK
Tel: 020 3206 0444 or (m) 07887 943 017
Download as pdf: ETB and Royal Academy Take Part in Live Guardian Discussion on Engineering as Part of ‘Science: So What So Everything' campaign
Date Published: November 16, 2009
