Shropshire Network Chairmans Message
IET Shropshire Local Network
Chairman’s Statement
2007/08
Local Activities
We have had a very successful 2007/08 session, with attendance at our events increasing from both IET and non-members. We had our largest ever event held jointly with the IMechE and Rotary Club with attendance of over 100 people, most whom were non IET members.
This year we have continued to provide a selection of topical events including the well attended combined heat and power lectures covering both Biofuel and Fossil fuels. We also had a very informative presentation on the technical challenges of offshore wind power generation.
The network has expanded its boundaries to include the SY10 and SY11 postal regions which include Oswestry. As a request of members in some Powys post codes we have sent them programme booklets which has resulted in an increased attendance at events. We will continue to deliver programmes to members in these areas
We have found that most people who visit events have been encouraged to do so by somebody who has been before. I would encourage you to promote the work of the Shropshire Local Network and bring friends to the events. To help in this we have created posters for events which we would encourage you to display at your place of work.
Schools activities
This year has seen an increase in activity, with interactions between the Local Network and local education groups. We have increased awareness of engineering and highlighted many world class engineering activities in the Shropshire area. We continue to work with SETPOINT at a local level and STEMNET at a regional level to promote engineering to young people.
Several of our committee members manned a stand at an engineering fair for teachers held at Ironbridge Gorge Museum where we had the opportunity to speak to careers advisors and teachers.
We continue to hold regular meetings with teachers from several local schools and are developing a network of support for teachers new to engineering and technology. As part of this interaction, an industrial visit to a leading drive manufacturing plant was organised specifically for teachers which received good feedback.
A special training session for engineers who wanted to give something back to schools was held where engineers had the opportunity to get involved with the Cyberpet project which is undertaken by primary school children.
I would encourage as many members who would be willing to help with schools activities to register as Science and Engineering Ambassadors SEAs on the SETPOINT website.
Regional Activities
We have continued to organise and promote events across the West Midlands region including a behind the scenes tour of the RAF Cosford museum which attracted in excess of 100 people. We are also promoting and participating in the Imagineering Fair to be held at the Richo Arena this year.
We continue to meet with our Regional Development Manager and encourage involvement with local industry. We have seen an increase in members attending the Professional Registration events due to this activity.
This years Midlands Engineering Dinner has again proved to be a successful event. Held in Birmingham, 500 engineers and representatives from across the region met for a night of entertainment. I would encourage members from this region to get involved in this event and promote engineering in the Shropshire area.
Looking forward
We have an exciting programme of events organised for the new session. Several of these events will be held in larger facilities due to the expected increase in attendance. The events programme includes a behind the scenes visit to the new Severn Theatre, a look forward to biometric technologies and developments in motorsport. We have presentations and training sessions for both members and non-members at all stages of their careers with the discovering requirements lecture, short papers evening and Routes to Registration workshop. We continue to enjoy a good working relationship with the IMechE and look forward to organising future events with them.
Thanks
In organising and managing the Network, I would like to:
Thank the Secretary, Treasurer, Programme and Schools Liaison Organisers and the rest of the committee for their work throughout the year to make Shropshire Local Network successful.
Thank Joanne Longton, Regional Coordinator for acting as a knowledge source and providing help and advice.
Thank the staff at HQ for all the help they have provided.
Thank all the local IMechE for jointly organising and presenting the combined programme.
Thank Shrewsbury College for providing the rooms and facilities to hold our events.
In Conclusion
I see the IET Shropshire Local Network continuing to provide relevant events for members both through continued professional development and the programme of events. I expect this Network to have a strong future and look forward to your support.
Richard Gibson
7th October 2008