13 September 2018
Pupils at Le Rocquier School will be the first to benefit from a new digital engineering programme being launched in Jersey.
Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) is being introduced by J3, the consortium planning the construction of Jersey’s new hospital.
The DEC progamme offers a set of qualifications for students aged 11 to 18. The course provides a real-life context for teaching science, technology, engineering, and maths (known as STEM) subjects.
The programme has been developed in partnership with Children, Young People, Education and Skills and Skills Jersey. It is one of several initiatives to introduce more STEM-focused learning activities to the school curriculum.
The construction of the planned new hospital will provide a number of opportunities for students to learn core design, engineering and construction skills linked to the curriculum. Construction partner J3 is also planning a number of other initiatives to boost skills in Jersey.
J3 director, Marc Burton, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in delivering Design Engineer Construct! at Le Rocquier School and hope to extend our sponsorship to other schools next year. We’ve been delighted by the enthusiasm of staff, parents and students for this innovative curriculum offering. The J3 team is really looking forward to meeting and supporting teachers and students as the lessons roll out.”
Future Hospital Project Director, Bernard Place, also welcomed the new DEC programme. He said: “The planned new hospital is the Island’s largest capital project. The consortium of local and UK companies involved in planning, designing and building it have a wealth of experience and expertise that they’re keen to pass on so they leave a legacy that stretches beyond the healthcare building.”
Dave Roworth, of Skills Jersey, said DEC would help students considering their future careers. “The students involved in the programme will use industry standard software and will work alongside industry professionals. Through the DEC qualification, they will gain experience both in class and out on site, and observe the full range of exciting professional careers now available in the modern built environment industries.”
Lead DEC teacher at Le Rocquier, Katie Holland, also welcomed the new course, describing the benefits of the accredited programme as enormous. She said: “DEC will help to develop young people with real-world practical experience and highly desirable employability skills.”
The first group of students will be launched on the Level 1 and 2 Certificate in Design Engineer Construct! this academic year.
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