The Bridge to Schools scheme is a new and exciting part of Institution of Civil Engineers East Midlands strategy to raise awareness of the work of civil engineers and their contribution to society.  

At a typical school 3-day event, four groups per day of up to 30 pupils (aged between 9 and 13) spend one hour learning about civil engineering, building the bridge and then walking over it.  Myself and up to 3 Ambassadors challenge the pupils to work in two teams, solve any problems together and understand how the bridge keeps their teacher off the ground!  Pupils are also told about the large number of exciting careers made available to them if they continue with their science, maths and engineering subjects. 

The project was initially launched in back November 2008 to ICE East Midlands Ambassadors and potential new recruits   Bridge to School events have currently taken place twice in Nottinghamshire and twice in Leicestershire, with events booked up for the summer term in Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.  

Malcolm Jackson, East Midlands Regional Director said: “ICE East Midlands is committed to encouraging young people into civil engineering.  The Bridge to Schools project is a key part of our schools initiative and we are extremely pleased to have been able to work in partnership with school staff and ICE ambassadors in achieving our objectives.”

Guest Blogger: Bridget Burke, Bridge to Schools Co-ordinator, Institution of Civil Engineers