BSRIA celebrates launch of INSPIRE project

To celebrate the launch of BSRIA’s INSPIRE project throughout 2016, BSRIA is running a series of events to inspire and engage the workforce of tomorrow with what the construction industry has to offer. This is in response to the shortage of young people starting construction careers and the fact that much of the issue is due to a lack of knowledge of the types of careers available in construction and a false perception that the entire construction industry is manual, outdoor and male-dominated. The INSPIRE project is based around the STEM subjects, and the kick-off event will be held at BSRIA’s offices on 16th March 2016.

Lead by Scott Mackenzie, Head of STEM, at Ranelagh School, Bracknell, year 9 (13 and 14 year olds) students will design and make a weather louvre. The prototypes will be tested in BSRIA’s laboratories to prove they would be ‘fit for purpose’ and work out which performs best. The students will also investigate BSRIA’s innovative laboratory and test facilities as part of a ‘hands-on’ tour.

Julia Evans, Chief Executive, BSRIA, said: “The BSRIA INSPIRE project is working with local schools, national and local politicians and the media to promote STEM and change its perceptions. Industry recruitment and succession planning is crucial – the INSPIRE project will address this.

This event leads on from the announcement that Isambard Kingdom Brunel came out top in BSRIA’s chance to ‘vote for your favourite and most influential engineer’ competition. To coincide with last year’s 60th anniversary, BSRIA launched its INSPIRE commemorative publication which looks at 120 engineers of the past and present to show their achievements and the great impact they’ve had on the industry and the world. Brunel is a fine example of where taking STEM seriously can lead.”

Scott Mackenzie, Head of STEM, Ranelagh School, said: “We all have a duty to be more sustainable and I am delighted that Ranelagh can work with a local company like BSRIA to do what we can for the school and engage our students in making buildings better.”

This activity follows on from BSRIA working with students from Ranelagh’s Eco Schools team on fundamental energy efficiency issues – for example – shutting windows and leaving lights on in unattended rooms – and the wider consequence of what this means.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/15022016/bsria-celebrates-launch-of-inspire-project-505/