Case Studies - Engineering Placements
‘I have a Muslim girl who wants to do a civil engineering work experience. Where and how can I find a suitable company so that she can convince her mum and dad that she will be treated appropriately and be safe?’
Work experience coordinator
Advice
This is not an easy or straightforward task and there is no shortcut or specific website to help you. You may have to contact Civil Engineering companies as you would for any pupil wishing this type of work experience and talk to them about providing work experience for a Muslim girl. They may all be very willing but you would have to explain to them what your pupil needed in way of any special support. Trident Edexcel and the local Education Business Partnership or Connexions may also have contacts.
The Institution of Civil Engineering (ICE) has an ambassador scheme and regional Education Co-ordinators. It would probably be a good idea to talk to your local contact to find out if there are any companies already employing Muslim women in your area. There is general advice about finding work experience and careers in civil engineering on the ICE website too. You could use the 'Top Tips for Finding a Work Experience Placement' in the resources section of this website for more ideas.
If you are in London, the London Engineering Project may also be able to give you some leads.
Useful websites
www.ice.org.uk/education Click on Are you an ICE member? Click on 'ICE Regional Education Co-ordinator' for a list of local contacts.
www.thelep.org.uk Click on Ambassadors
www.geriproject.prg Click on Role Models
www.trident-edexcel.co.uk Click Trident for Teachers