Education

SWWIC usually have a busy year on the careers front, with involvement in some regular events such as the Plymouth WICID (Women Into Construction Interactive Day) and 2006 was no exception including new events providing a useful outreach opportunity (e.g. North Devon event in May). SWWIC are always looking for new educational events to support; let us know if you want to discuss additional opportunities (contact Sue; s.turpin-brooks@plymouth.ac.uk).

WICID - October 2006

Once again SWWIC volunteers helped in a variety of ways at this annual Construction Week event

Ilfracombe Schools Careers Event - May 2006

SWWIC hosted a sustainable construction design activity for participants [in conjunction with CITB ambassador].

Plymouth Guildhall Construction Careers Event - May 2006

SWWIC provided advice and a competitive activity on a stand, to encourage understanding of construction related careers [jointly with University of Plymouth; City Council event].

Undergraduate student assessments - May 2006

SWWIC volunteers viewed presentations and contributed to the end of year student project assessments for environmental building courses [University of Plymouth].

WiTNet - Winter/spring 2005/06

WiTNet (Women in Technology Network), a student group at University of Plymouth, developed links with SWWIC. WiTNet are set to build-up joint events and mentoring opportunities for 2006/07.

WICID - October 2005

The 4th WICID (Women in Construction Interactive Day) was held in at Plymouth College on October 6th during NCW 2005. SWWIC again sponsored the event and members took and active role in the day, Bernadette Parkinson Organiser and Host, Pippa Trout seen in Photo assisting in work shops and a mentor, Carol Bell Speaker and mentor. Over 100 school girls took part in the day from schools in Plymouth, Cornwall and South Devon.

'What's Your Line?' with Education Business Partnership at Collaton Grammar School - May 2005

A recreation of an old TV programme (which you may or may not remember depending on your era!) where the profession of those participating had to be deduced from minimal information. The adults present each told the pupils a little about themselves and the students then had to match each individual to one of the list of possible roles. This helped to break stereotypes and challenge their ideas about careers at the same time as being very entertaining to all involved. An initiative SWWIC would like to repeat in the future.

St Peter's High School, Exeter Careers Talk - June 2005

A presentation to students, about to commence their GCSEs, highlighting the different careers within the Construction Industry together with the variety of routes into the industry.

Maynard School, Exeter Presentation - November 2004

It was with trepidation that Sarah John and Pippa Trout walked through the doors of The Maynard. Having both been former pupils ('Old Maynardians') it was fitting that they returned on SWWICs behalf to give a careers talk but never-the -less standing up in your former school brings back a wealth of memories and fears! Once technical problems were addressed (good old powerpoint!) the presentation got under way to around 50 girls aged 14/15. Through their current roles in site management and architecture they were able to give a broad insight into the Construction Industry. Having both left the Maynard at 18 after a number of years respectively, Sarah and Pippa followed very different routes. Sarah's story highlighted that determination and personal ambition count for a lot (at the time she left the Maynard it was very much a traditional all girls' school and being an architect was encouraged). On the flip side Pippa particularly showed that just because you don't know or realise what you want to do at 16 or 18 and beyond it's not a disaster! The presentation was brief whilst informative and was linked to local projects they would be aware of such as Princesshay Redevelopment. Following the presentation a handful of enquiries were made about work experience and Sarah John was able to offer a place at her practice, GJR Architects.

Cowick First School, Exeter Visit - Construction Week 2004

This saw a class of 6 year olds visiting Bowhill School; an opportunity to visit what would become their new school under the Exeter Schools Reorganisation prior to anyone else! The children had a good insight into what we do and more importantly the dangers involved. The visit was a great success for all involved and was topped off by SWWIC's Pippa Trout receiving an individual written and drawn thank you from each child!

St Peter's and St James's High School, Exeter Site Visits - Construction Week 2004

An opportunity for high school girls to visit a couple of major projects (including Exeter College) to gain a brief insight into the opportunities available in Construction and see projects at different stages of development.