Issue 40 - STEM & Beyond spotlight – Alison Watson MBE

Welcome to Issue 40 of the STEM & Beyond spotlight newsletter. Your newsletter shining a spotlight on those working within STEM careers and Beyond.

Interview with Alison Watson MBE …

Shaping Tomorrow's Innovators: The DEC Journey to Apprenticeships

By Alison Watson MBE , Founder of Class Of Your Own and Creator of Design Engineer Construct! (DEC)

In the spirit of National Apprenticeship Week, it’s with immense pride that I reflect on the journey and impact of the Design Engineer Construct! Learning Programme, an initiative I founded with the vision of transforming the way young people engage with STEM and the built environment. As we celebrate the success of apprenticeships across the nation, it's crucial to acknowledge the educational pathways that inspire and prepare students to take this valuable route into professional careers. DEC stands at the forefront of this endeavour, embodying a bridge between education and the dynamic world of the Construction industry.

A Vision for Change

When I embarked on the creation of DEC, my goal was clear: to introduce young minds to the exhilarating world of digital design, engineering and construction, empowering them with skills, knowledge and a vision for a sustainable future. The curriculum was designed not just as an academic programme, but as a launchpad for innovation, creativity and real-world problem-solving. Through DEC, we aim to demystify and champion the pathways into professional careers, highlighting apprenticeships as a viable and rewarding option.

The DEC Difference: Preparing Industry-Ready Professionals

DEC's unique approach provides students with an unparalleled insight into industry practices. By mirroring the digital transformation of the construction sector within our curriculum, we ensure that DEC students are not merely observers but active participants in the digital age. This alignment with industry standards makes our learners highly desirable candidates for apprenticeships, equipped with the digital proficiency required in today's workplaces.

Championing Sustainability and Ethical Innovation

In an era where sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, we’re committed to fostering a generation of ethical innovators who understand the importance of designing, engineering and constructing with the planet in mind. This focus on sustainability not only prepares students for careers in a greener future but also aligns with the values of forward-thinking employers offering apprenticeships.

Empowering Through Skills and Engagement

We believe in the power of hands-on, experiential learning. DEC challenges students to think critically, solve complex problems, collaborate effectively and communicate their ideas with confidence. These skills are not just academic; they are the lifeblood of successful apprenticeships and professional careers. DEC offers students a tangible connection to the professional world, inspiring them to envision a future where they can make a difference. By bringing industry experts into the classroom and taking students into the heart of construction and engineering environments, we bridge the gap between education and the world of work.

Looking Ahead: The Future of DEC and Apprenticeships

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future. DEC has laid a strong foundation for our students to pursue apprenticeships with confidence, armed with the skills, knowledge and passion to succeed. I’m proud of each and every extraordinary one of them. Our mission goes beyond education; it's about shaping the innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders of tomorrow. I believe our students have the capacity to be those leaders.

The journey of DEC is a testament to what can be achieved when education meets ambition and purpose. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, industry partners and most importantly, the students who have embraced DEC. We’ve come through thick and thin together, ridden political rollercoasters and focused on the things that matter most: to inspire, innovate and invest in the future of construction.

Alison Watson MBE

Thank you Alison.

We hope you enjoyed today's issue of the STEM & Beyond spotlight newsletter.

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