Damianos Dispels Engineering ‘Brolly’ Myth!

Engineers don’t just build bridges in the rain but play a major part in ‘designing’ some of the world’s leading infrastructure projects!

That was one of the myths that had to be dispelled when HBPW Senior Engineer Damianos Bouklas and a group of other construction and engineering professionals, took part in a major East Midlands schools initiative.

The Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics Network (STEMNET) in conjunction with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), has been seeking to create greater awareness, amongst young people, of the engineering profession over the past 12 months.

Damianos, a STEM Ambassador, who has been involved with the programme for around 16 weeks, said: “The culmination of the year-long project was the ‘Bridge of the Future’ event which took place at Loughborough University with around 20 youngsters from two local schools, Limehurst Academy and Woodbrook Vale High.

“Both participate in the project-based CREST awards scheme for the STEM subjects, and this event supported and enhanced the bronze level which most of the children were involved with and which is recognised by the university organisation UCAS.”

ICE’s President, Sir John Armitt, along with former Education Secretary and Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan, were in attendance as youngsters designed and built their own bridge using engineering principles taught across the day.

“It was a great event and very enlightening for those professionals in attendance. We were all surprised to learn that so many people, parents and children alike, appeared to be deterred from joining the profession because of a misconception that engineers spent most of their life under a brolly ‘in bad weather’ building things!

“We sought to dispel this myth by explaining that there was also a major ‘design’ requirement, and that whilst we often had to go to site, there was also a lot that had to be done behind the computer screen first before that could happen!” added Damianos.

The initiative also sought to encourage more girls into the profession whilst giving teachers an opportunity to learn more about the engineering sector.

“They are key influencers,” said Damianos “so it is paramount that they have a clear understanding as to what the profession is about. The Bridge of the Future event was both fun and informative. We, as professionals, learnt about attitudes towards the profession, the kids had a fun, educational experience, and teachers went back to school to learn about us for a day! A win, win, win scenario you might say!

“However, none of it could have happened from my perspective, without the support of HBPW, which has been fantastic, giving me so much planning and implementation time. By their actions Partners have made a major contribution to the profession for which I am eternally grateful.”

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