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CIC Coaching Scheme
CIC Coaching Scheme
- Who are you and how did you get involved with the CIC? My name is Danna Walker. I have been working in the construction industry for about 20 years. I started off as an electrician, working as an apprentice after leaving school. I worked mainly on the repair and maintenance of housing and this got me interested in their design so I decided to train to become an architect. I worked in an architectural practice for around 8 years and got very interested in skills issues and helping others to develop. I was lucky enough to see an advert for the role at the Construction Industry Council and applied because it brings my interests in education and the built environment together.
- What is the CIC Coaching Scheme and where is it running? The Coaching Scheme has been developed to give young people a taste of some the tasks and challenges involved in designing, managing and constructing a building. The scheme is running at three schools in Southwark which are Walworth Academy, St Saviours and St Olave’s School and the Globe Academy as well as schools in Greater Manchester and the East Midlands.
- How does it work and what are the benefits? The scheme is run as a series of workshops aided and facilitated by professionals from the industry. We are very pleased to have volunteers from companies such as Arup, MACE, Pollard Thomas Edwards, HOK and many others. The students get an opportunity to work with and learn from the practitioners and develop their soft and functional skills. The students also learn about the vast array of different disciplines involved in the building process.
Students are typically from key stages 3 or 4 and could be involved with a construction or engineering related course. It offers schools and students an opportunity to create invaluable links with the business community which can result in work experience placements at some of the world’s leading construction consultancies. We are lucky to be part of an industry that is passionate about inspiring young people and make a great effort to send along volunteers. The construction industry also benefits from working closely with the communities that many of them are working in and sharing their knowledge and experience. - What makes a good session? The success of the scheme is very much dependant on the school’s willingness to work closely with us and support and champion this scheme within their school.
- What is it like working in Southwark schools? We really enjoy working in Southwark’s schools, they are diverse, committed and exciting places to be.
- How can others get involved? If you are a construction consultant (for example an architect, structural engineer or quantity surveyor) or construction company and are interested in volunteering or offering a potential site visit for students contact me at CIC This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0207 399 7404. If you work for a school and are interested in find out more about the scheme, contact me for more information on the details above. For more on the Construction Industry Council visit www.cic.org.uk
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