Specific new projects underway for 2008 include:

1.    Supporting the new 14-19 Diplomas in Engineering:        

In September 2008 a suite of new qualifications will begin to be introduced to the education system in England, among which will be the 14-19 Diplomas in Engineering Studies; these can be equivalent to either GCSEs or A levels.  In support of this the Institution is working in partnership to provide schools & colleges with material showing how curriculum content is used in ‘real-life’ engineering.  Similarly, we are working to link individual IMechE members and engineering companies with local schools and colleges to provide direct curriculum support and work experience and placements.  Further general information about the Diploma in Engineering Studies can be found at www.engineeringdiploma.com.

2.    Creating partnerships to showcase engineering:             

There are a number of engineering-orientated organisations that exist to promote particular areas of interest to the wider public.  Many of them have education / schools programmes which support the school curriculum at various key stages.  IMechE is working in partnership with 2 partner organisations to identify ways of helping inspire young people through member involvement and through providing sponsorship or materials.

3.    Sustainab le development in engineering higher education

There is considerable and growing interest in how engineers can contribute to sustainable development and how the education process can help prepare engineers to do so.  Working in partnership, the Institution will initially scope the existing engineering higher education provision in the UK to see what sustainable education provision exists; we will also consider the needs of employers and what gaps exist between the two.  Based on the findings we will prepare a plan to help develop a coherent approach to educating engineers in sustainable development issues.  This will involve partnerships and may involve publications, event(s) and systems that facilitate the exchange of best-practice.

4.    Education data, factsheets and policy statements

The Institution will gather together and make available, via the website, general education and skills statistics and information.  Based on the data collected we will develop a range of policy statements / factsheets and recommendations to government (and others).

5.    Resource for students, teachers and the general public

We aim to create an area of the Institution’s website that highlights engineering initiatives in schools and showcases engineering, engineers and engineering careers.