There are undoubtedly numerous benefits to teaching young people engineering and developing their skills in this area. It helps future-proof younger people for ever-changing technologies and gives them the ability to design, build and create.
Engineering skills can enhance their ability to problem solve and look at the world differently, in addition to other attributes that could benefit them throughout their younger years and into adulthood, including;
Critical thinking
Creativity
Scientific and mathematical skills
Adaptability
Patience
Reporting
Communication skills
A methodical approach to problems
Unfortunately, engineering is not currently a core subject in all schools in the UK. Subjects such as Design and Technology, Computing, Maths and the sciences cover some elements but don’t offer the benefits of a dedicated subject, including showcasing the opportunities engineering, and a career within it, can offer young people. As the Institute of Mechanical Engineers explained in last year’s feature ‘New curriculum and engineers needed in schools to help close skills gap’; “the formal teaching of engineering as part of the school curriculum is the best approach to expose all children to the subject, and prove that it’s an exciting and creative career for everyone.”
We decided to sit down with our Managing Director Hozan Edwards and talk through his history with engineering and find out why he thinks it’s important for young people to develop a passion for the subject;
Hi Hozan, thanks for meeting with us today and talking engineering!
“No problem at all, it’s a subject I’m very passionate about!”
When did you first get interested in Engineering?
“Strangely a career in engineering is not what I had in mind when I left school at the age of 18. Instead, my application was submitted to join the Royal Marines and it was only a chance encounter that led to a job offer with some travel opportunities, that would send my plans off course. So instead of learning how to polish boots, I found myself 200 miles off the coast of Vietnam working on offshore rigs. I fell in love with mechanical engineering and have self-studied to get to where I am today.”
What was your exposure to engineering at school?
“In truth, my school experience of engineering was very basic, we looked at some woodwork and touched upon laser cutting and vacuum forming but we didn’t even utilise 3D CAD. Admittedly though, that was 16 years ago and some engineering opportunities now available to students are far more advanced. Though more should be done to develop young people’s love of engineering”
Why do you think it’s important for children to develop a love of engineering?
“Engineers build the world we live in, it is engineers that have developed the latest smartphone in your hands, the car you drive to work and the things that pass us by, such as electrical safety standards in your house.”
What transferable skills do you get if you are interested in engineering?
“I think the skillet is only limited by the individual. An engineer will typically have a fundamental understanding of how most things will work, this can then be applied to a range of different activities. For instance, I’m not a mechanic but I own a 50-year-old classic car which I maintain and service myself.”
Why should someone leaving school consider a career in engineering?
“I think a career in engineering can take you anywhere. I already touched upon a couple of examples that would be familiar to most but just take a look around your office or home, every item you see will have had some engineering involvement to get to the product you see today.”
Hozan’s passion for engineering is shared by the entire team at BWB Technologies. What can be achieved with a flame photometer has been redefined by our team and we are proud to constantly and enthusiastically develop our products and services.
Click here to talk to the BWB team about your project today.