“most kids today aren’t dreaming of being programmers, scientists or engineers……… but manufacturing gives people dignity and pride that they make things that are needed and desired ” says Will.i.am That’s why we’re striving to put a spotlight on engineering. We help engineering companies reach out not only to their customers, but beyond – to everyone. engenius-i.com : digital media for engineers by engineers Find out more..
If ever there was an indicator of the way UK media view engineering it could be seen in last Friday’s issue of the Daily Telegraph. A single page in the business section presented the year-end figures of two companies. AIM listed handbag maker Mulberry making £1.9m profit on a turnover of £110m, and FTSE250 WS Atkins the innovative engineering company making £122m profit on a revenue of £1.76bn. Which gets the most airspace? …. […]
This weekend I visited the Alexander McQueen fashion exhibition at the V&A in London. Creations of an untethered mind realised through immaculate craftsmanship. Well worth a visit! What’s that got to do with engineering you may ask? Well the highlight for me was the laser technology behind one particular exhibit. A hologram of Kate Moss in a flowing gown, that wafts around her in the wind. She appears from nowhere, and floats before you; […]
How to encourage the young to delve into Engineering ……… My congratulations go to Imagine Publishing, I’ve just discovered their How It Works series on Amazing Technology. These richly illustrated magazines (not cheap) give an engaging insight into the technology behind a vast selection of gadgets and topical engineering. Most importantly they present the social relevance of engineering and today’s teens want to know the WHY of a technology not just the WHAT. This is very […]
In recent years there have been numerous reports raising concern at the low number of young people entering the engineering professions and analysing various aspects of this topic. Recently two more were issued, this time by the IET and IMechE Yet while the Institutions flag their concerns, I am beginning to ask myself some fundamental questions as follows: ‘Is the very fact that the situation has been allowed to progressively deteriorate for years, evidence in itself that the Institutions are ineffective in addressing […]
One of the great failings of the UK engineering community is its inability to communicate with the young. In trying to inspire schoolchildren it’s no good just encouraging them to study STEM subjects it’s equally important for them to understand the relevance of what they’re studying to society and a career in the future. This video created by Newcastle University in Australia is an excellent example of how to connect with teenagers, or in […]
Just launched at the Saatchi Gallery London…… an interesting example of how a company can make you look afresh at what it does, underlining the fine skills that go into products that may be luxurious but are, above all, superb pieces of engineering. www.insiderolls-royce.com Inside Rolls-Royce provides a unique opportunity to experience the essence of the pinnacle automotive brand in an interactive exhibition. You are invited to see some of the exquisite materials, the unrivalled technology […]
Whilst commentators endlessly discuss the glass ceiling faced by women in their careers, here in the UK, Engineers as a whole face a similar barrier – a SOCIAL ceiling. A situation highlighted by the recent Government report ‘Elitist Britain’. Chairman of the Commission, Alan Milburn underlines that the number of privately educated people in senior public roles had led to a “closed shop at the top”. He adds “These institutions rely on too narrow […]
Following the recent launch of iPhone 6 and iWatch Yahoo’s Tech Columnist Rob Walker took a tilt at Jony Ive’s video presentations. Now I know they’re high profile (and much mimicked) but we should be applauding Ive’s love of engineering and the way he underlines the skills of the Apple team, not belittling it. If only there were more such engineers around, particularly here in Ive’s home country the UK. What Jonathan underlines is that […]
When it comes to solving problems engineers are geniuses. Our government and society looks to them to provide solutions to the big issues of the day, be they global warming, power generation, communications, infrastructure and many more. So with such a reputation it’s surprising that there is one dilemma beyond the capabilities of this select group of resourceful thinkers. “How to attract the young to join their ranks?” Engineers work around systems, facts and figures […]
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