Work Experience Suggested as Way Forward at the Engineering Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting at College

Engineering Advisory Board (EAB), via Dorset Engineering Manufacturing Cluster (DMEC) – Wednesday, 13th November 2024

Around 80 attendees from across the education sector and other partnering organisations filled a packed-out conference room with enthusiasm and commitment at the most recent Engineering Advisory Board meeting held on Bournemouth and Poole College premises on Wednesday, 13^th November. 

Participants listened to the Bournemouth and Poole College and DEMC (or Dorset Engineering Manufacturing Cluster) partnership, what was achieved in 23/24 for the Automotive, Engineering and Marine sectors, the direction for 24/25 and how to influence the training environment. 

Before lunch, Yasmin Brown of Dorset Careers Hub and Laura Bush of Dorset Chamber jointly provided details of how over 80 schools, colleges and educational providers across the region are working towards a progressive approach to work experience. Employers across Dorset are doing fantastic work to provide experiences, such as Yunex Traffic implementing a digital offer, Superior Ltd offering taster days, and RNLI inviting Year 8 students to build a boat on-site. 

The concurrent theme reiterated by James Hills, the college’s Director of Engineering, is that “Unless they [students] know about Engineering, Automotive and Marine and what they are, they are unlikely to choose it as a path for the future.” Dorset Careers Hub, in partnership with Dorset Chamber are launching a digitalised Dorset Work Ex Directory – which will promote local organisations offering workplace experiences. The directory is accessible to schools and colleges Careers Staff, to support young people to understand the activities available. Anything from 2 hours to 2 weeks, can help inspire and inform. For details view: https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/workplace-experience/.

As reported by the Youth Employment Census, nationally only 36 per cent of students had access to work experience. However, Dorset is working to buck the trend by connecting education institutions with employers. In 2024, across Dorset and the South, we have seen the smallest ever take up of Engineering courses and apprenticeships, despite continuing to have a higher-than-average 1,026 apprentices at Bournemouth and Poole College this year. 

Duncan Newman, Economic Development, Engineering and Manufacturing Sector Lead, Operations at BCP Council said: “It was wonderful to see such a busy room of DEMC (Dorset Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster) members along with schools, stakeholders and the regions Further and Higher education providers, all in the same room.  The presentations and workshopping were undoubtedly productive and informative. I can’t help wondering if the real business of tackling the skills and talent gap in engineering in Dorset, would have been done in those informal connections, over a coffee and the networking lunch?  Bournemouth and Poole College were wonderful hosts.”