Academic and professional engineers must collaborate
Debate held at Heriot Watt University, Dubai, highlighted need for an more integrated approach
Further collaboration between academic institutions and industry professionals is needed to ensure engineering graduates are equipped with the most relevant experience for their careers, according to Matthew J. Esther, associate at Atkins and chairman of the UAE division of the Institute of Structural Engineers.
Esther’s comments were made as he moderated a debate hosted by Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus and the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Other panel members at the debate included Arabtec CEO, Greg Christofides; Dr Angelo Mansero, chief engineer at Dutco Balfour Beatty; and Mark Jamieson, project manager at Turner Construction and country representative for the Institution of Civil Engineers, all highlighted the need for graduates to go back to basics.
“Graduates are not going to start their careers as managers, they need to take a few steps back and learn with their hands, understand the work of a plumber, of an electrician – they need to develop their skills,” commented Dr Mansero
“They need to be hands on, have experience in the laboratories, understand what the materials feel like; if you hold a piece of steel and aluminium in your hand, you need to know the difference,” he added.
Experts also in attendance at the debate were Roger Nickells, regional director at Buro Happold; Dr Elias Saqan chair of the department of civil engineering at the American University in Dubai; Eng. Mohammed Mashroom, council board member and general secretary of the Society of Engineers UAE.
Although the panel acknowledged the important part technology has to play in the modern day role of engineers, both contractors and consultants agreed that students need to be able to rely on their instincts alone in order to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the engineering process. Steve Taylor of WSP referred to engineering as a ‘dying art’ and the importance of teaching students to look ‘beyond the obvious to creative engineering.’
Dr. Olisanwendu Ogwuda, academic head & director of studies for Civil and Architectural Engineering, at Heriot-Watt Dubai Campus, encouraged the industry professionals to become more engaged with universities, to bring students closer to the action.
“All our students are encouraged to gain practical experience within the industry during their time at university,” he said.
“Greater partnership between academia and engineering professionals is an excellent way of providing students with real engineering problems, encouraging them to apply what they have learnt in the classroom to situations that they may face at some point in their practical careers.
“We have seen a trend within the engineering programme, with students asking to specialise much earlier in their degrees than has traditionally been encouraged. There needs to be a period where students are exposed to engineering in more general terms, in order to ensure that they have the fundamental experience and knowledge required throughout their careers,” Ogwuda continued.
This September Heriott Watt will will launch the region’s first architectural engineering undergraduate degree.
