Learning Pathways in Engineering: Company-Centred and University-Centred Learning Journeys

All too often, discussions about pathways into engineering, what should be learned on respective pathways and the ways in which learning should be organised, are dominated by policy makers and other stakeholders - including engineering associations, alliances and engineering academics.

This conversation presents a fresh perspective on these issues by offering ‘engineers-in-training’ an opportunity to become our panel of experts. Our panel of four will consist of two engineers-in-training from industry (one from a company-based apprenticeship and one from a company-based graduate pathway) and two engineering undergraduate students. They will discuss: why they chose their engineering pathway; what they are learning and the ways in which the learning is organised on their respective pathways. They will also provide insight into their aspirations for their career in engineering.

Through sharing their perspectives as engineers-in-training, this conversation will facilitate reflections on current issues in engineering education such as the similarities and differences between respective pathways; the organisation of project-based learning in education and work and the importance of problem-solving to the work of engineers. Speculation about whether engineering and the pathways into it might change in the future is also expected to emerge.

Panel:

Megan Doyle - Graduate Engineer, Atkins

Megan joined Atkins in September 2015 on their graduate development programme, following a degree in Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. She works predominantly as a junior mechanical engineer but also has experience in junior project management. Atkins supports her in gaining chartership with the IMechE.

Ryan Clayton - Engineer Technician, Atkins

Ryan joined Atkins 4.5 years ago, starting as a Mechanical Engineer on a Higher Apprenticeship in the nuclear sector. He recently finished a secondment at Sofinel as the piping design lead engineer on HPC project, and is now focusing on growing and developing digital engineering with The Energy Group.

Ana Belciug - 2nd Year MEng Computer Science Student, UCL

Previously, Ana studied at Mircea cel Batran National College in Romania, where she was first introduced to Computer Science and Advanced Mathematics. She decided to further her studies at UCL, where she was introduced to the concept of artificial intelligence which, being built on principles like calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, caught her attention.

Chris Wooster - 4th Year Chemical Engineering Student, UCL

Chris' interest in Chemical Engineering started when he visited an oil refinery when he was 16 years old. He started at UCL in 2014 and was the first year to take part in the new Integrated Engineering Programme. Studying at UCL has given Chris great interest in separation processes and natural gas processing.

Please do join us for another really interesting debate. Further conversation and networking to follow over drinks and nibbles.