Catalyst gives an overview of some of the work the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) has been doing recently to promote engineering and technology.

Click here for all our newsletters and websites

Budding engineers fire catapults in Parliament
On March 10th 2008, the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) and The Smallpeice Trust challenged young people from five different schools across the capital to a 'Trebuchet Challenge' in the Houses of Parliament as part of National Science and Engineering Week 2008. The event, which involved teams of children testing homemade trebuchets and catapults in the Member's Dining room, was hosted by Stephen Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

The trebuchets, which were made of a combination of wood, tape, screws, nails, string and glue, were judged by Dr John Morton of the ETB and Dr Andrew Cave of The Smallpeice Trust according to their aerodynamics, technical accuracy, distance of shot, unique selling point, and marketing plan.

For more information click here:

Back to top

scenta upgrades successful careers sites with web 2.0 tools
Over the next few months, the ETB's flagship websites, scenta.co.uk and Scienceworlds.co.uk will be re-launched using interactive web 2.0 networking tools, similar to those 14-30 year olds worldwide are using right now on Facebook, Bebo and Myspace.

The users of these sites will be able to join (and create) public or private groups of their peers to discuss homework, courses and universities or jobs, CVs and companies - plus any other hot topics they are interested in. The sites' audiences are relying less on traditional corporate communications and more on consulting with their peers for advice and recommendations in all aspects of their lives. Therefore, to be in the vanguard of this trend, we must provide them with the tools to keep each other enthused and excited about careers in Science, Engineering and Technology.

For more information click here:

Back to top

Dr Morton Presents to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee
As part of National Science and Engineering week 2008, Dr John Morton, Chief Executive of the ETB, was part of the panel along with Ian Pearson, MP, who presented to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on 'What British Industry Wants from Our Scientists and Engineers'.

The presentation focussed on key challenge and opportunities for the science and engineering sectors, including Further and Higher Education and their effects on skills and labour supply, and current statistics and initiatives regarding women in engineering. It also detailed key criteria which today's science and engineering employers are looking for in their workforces alongside the traditional mathematics and physics fundamentals. These included the ability to solve problems, the ability to work well within in a group; strong communications skills, entrepreneurial flair; and an awareness of the role finance and marketing play in a company's success.

To view the full presentation click here:

Back to top

Lecturers into Industry
In partnership with the Learning and Skills Development Agency Northern Ireland, the ETB has published an evaluation of its recent Lecturers into Industry scheme. The aim behind the pilot scheme was to encourage lecturers to refresh their practical knowledge of the engineering workplace and pass on associated skills and tips to their students back in the classroom.

Inspired by the success of the recent LSDA Northern Ireland Lecturers into Industry scheme, the ETB scheme, which was funded by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), delivered a series of placements in cutting edge science, engineering and technology companies including placements with Rolls Royce, Trend BMS and First Group UK.

Click here to read the full evaluation:

Back to top

The ETB Gives Seminar on Expanding Apprenticeships
On April 3rd 2008, Dr Anil Kumar, the ETB's Director of Education and Policy, will deliver a seminar on improving the pipeline of apprentices and engineering technicians into society. The seminar will be given as part of the Expanding and Delivering Apprenticeships Conference at the Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch. It will feature recent research and statistics on Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology (EMT) learner numbers in Further Education and highlight the importance of Apprenticeships.

Additionally he will call for the establishment of a centralised FE statistical unit similar to the existing Higher Education Statistical Agency.

Click here for more information or to book a place.

Back to top

Update Bulletin
Keep up to date with policy by signing up to our Update bulletin - contact Rhys Holdaway for more information.

To sign off this list, please click here or to send us comments, contact lmarsh@etechb.co.uk

Visit www.etechb.co.uk, the gateway to the best in science, engineering and technology.