21 Nov 2001
BAE Systems is to set up the UK's first Engineering Colleges in September 2002. Stephen Timms, Schools Minister, made the announcement when he spoke to a group of representatives at a conference in London recently.
BAE Systems has supported the UK Department for Education and Skills Specialist Schools Programme for a number of years and has some 40 specialist schools, most of which are Technology Colleges. The BAE Systems Engineering Colleges will focus on systems engineering which is a major requirement for the company now and in the future.
The colleges will emphasise experience in science, technology, maths and language using Information Communications Technology as a tool throughout. These subjects will be linked together in a bold new way: the inclusion of language highlighting the fact that systems engineering is as much about communication as it is about specification.
Building on the foundations of good practice in these subject areas, the experience of systems engineering will address problems where materials, products and processes must come together. BAE Systems is examining the possibility of new courses and is working with teachers to develop the curriculum. Ultimately, they want more young people to see the benefits of this experience so that more will take up further study and careers in engineering.
Chris Rogan, Head of Partnerships for BAE Systems Virtual University said, "Many engineers do not make things. They design, develop and test to bring a product or process to life. Systems engineers do this and more; they examine the way products and processes interact. On Eurofighter, systems engineers have explored every aspect of the aircraft, including pilot interaction, as a complete process. Eurofighter, as a system, is an element within a larger system, part of the overall picture systems engineers must design for".
The Company is planning to form up to five colleges to become active in September 2002. Interest has already been expressed by schools anxious to make more information about systems engineering available to young people. The intent is to increase the number of engineering graduates joining engineering firms, currently only 45% do.
Chris Rogan added, "We have formed an advisory group made up of teachers , BAE Systems representatives, representatives from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and leading education groups to shape the learning experiences in our Engineering Colleges. We are also working with the new Engineering Technology Board to help change the perception of engineering. We want young people to see the excitement and challenge of engineering".
Background:
Education Liaison is a BAE Systems Virtual University (VU) activity. The VU has, in Education Liaison, an activity which not only grows tomorrow's workforce, but which facilitates many positive partnerships in support of business goals.
BAE Systems has an excellent reputation for its Education Liaison activity. Schools can reach BAE Systems using just one telephone number. The support behind the activity has been significantly improved with the availability of telephone and website support.
The Programme is made up of six key activities.
- The formation of the BAE Systems Schools Network for schools and colleges across the 5-18 year age range.
- Working in partnership with teachers to produce classroom materials for the entire age range.
- Using partnerships with teachers to engage schools in engineering challenges.
- The BAE Systems Ambassadors Scheme - engineers visiting schools and providing support in the classroom.
- Providing on-site experiences for young people, teachers and adults in education related organisations.
- The formation of strategic partnerships with UK-wide organisations and initiatives to enhance our work and further promote the excitement and challenge of a career in engineering and BAE Systems.
The BAE Systems Schools Network has around 2000 members from the 5-18 year age range.
The Company supports Science Year and announced in September 2001 a doubling of its employee involvement scheme, the BAE Systems Ambassadors.
Schools can register to become members of the BAE Systems Schools Network by visiting the website www.baesystems.com/engineeringourfuture or calling the hotline 0845 3036020.
