09/99/8.1a

Engineering Professors’ Council

Admissions Working Group

Update on EEA Activities – January 2009

A new representative body – E4E

The discussions between the Engineering Education Alliance (EEA) and the Shape the Future Steering Group (StF) resulted in a merger of their ongoing activities to form a new single body under the name E4E denoting ‘Education for Engineering’. This alliance reflects the fact that the formation of engineers involves the study of all STEM subjects as well as design and aspects of many other subjects taught in schools and colleges. The core structure of E4E will be a Policy Group and an Operational Group. The latter will establish working groups as appropriate to address particular issues, thus following the practice of the old EEA. The EPC will be represented on the Operational Group.

The Royal Academy of Engineering will convene E4E to mirror the way the Royal Society convenes both SCORE and ACME. Identifying and appointing a Chair of the Policy Group is currently in hand; it is important that he or she is of sufficient seniority to represent the profession at the highest levels in Government and with senior opinion-formers. Doug Oughton (CIBSE Past President) has been appointed Chairman of the Operational Group. This group met formally for the first time on 7th January 2009 and had a very well attended and constructive discussion. Work is ongoing to finalise the terms of reference and membership. However, it has already been decided that the first priority will be to define a ‘vision for the nation’ as regards education for engineering.

The role of Head of Secretariat is initially being filled part-time by Matthew Harrison of The Royal Academy of Engineering. A different person will be appointed full-time once funding allows. Funding options are currently being explored, the ideal solution being if the Engineering Institutions, engineering employers and Government each provide one third.

Longitudinal Study

This study, which aims to identify the key factors that shape the patterns of participation, engagement and success in engineering, has been revised for a September 2009 start. It will be submitted to the ESRC shortly in an attempt to gain support and funding.

FJM   24.01.’09.