The launch of the CIBSE Education Guild is shaping the future of engineering education says Panos Balalas Communications Manager of CIBSE

The rapidly evolving demands of the building services engineering profession have spurred a renewed focus on education and skills development. Recognising the need for a collaborative approach, CIBSE has launched the CIBSE Education Guild. This new forum aims to unite educators, industry professionals and institutions to create a foundation of learning that meets the needs of the profession and contributes to society’s wellbeing.

THE NEED FOR THE CIBSE EDUCATION GUILD

Building services engineers are at the forefront of ensuring that buildings function efficiently and sustainably. This responsibility requires a new level of expertise that encompasses not only technical skills but also a broader understanding of environmental, economic and social factors.

The CIBSE Education Guild serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation, ensuring that educational programmes for building services engineers remain relevant and forward-thinking. Through the Guild, CIBSE seeks to equip engineers with the skills necessary to tackle real-world challenges and contribute to a better, more sustainable built environment.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CIBSE EDUCATION GUILD

The Guild brings together engineering educators and practitioners from diverse backgrounds within the built environment to share knowledge, exchange ideas and develop new approaches to teaching and learning.

The Guild’s aims include:

• Fostering collaboration among educators: By creating a forum where educators from across the world can connect, the Guild encourages the sharing of best practices, teaching methods and innovative ideas.

• Promoting new approaches to education: The Guild aims to explore new approaches to curriculum development, teaching techniques and learning resources. This includes leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes, incorporating real-world scenarios into education, and emphasising the role engineers play in addressing global challenges such as climate change.

• Inspiring future professionals: The Guild actively seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers by making education engaging and relevant. It aims to showcase the importance of building services engineering in shaping the future and to encourage young people to pursue a career in the field.

• Addressing societal and environmental challenges: Building services engineering is not just about technical expertise. Engineers must be equipped to address pressing societal issues such as sustainability, resilience and climate change. The Guild provides a platform to discuss how these topics can be integrated into the curriculum.

• Enhancing the visibility of outstanding educators and students: The Guild seeks to recognise excellence in teaching and learning by highlighting the achievements of exceptional educators and students. This serves to elevate the profession and encourage continuous improvement within the educational community.

WHAT THE CIBSE EDUCATION GUILD OFFERS

The CIBSE Education Guild plans to offer a range of activities, resources, and initiatives aimed at enhancing education within the building services engineering sector. Some of the planned activities include:

• Workshops, seminars, and conferences: Events to bring together educators, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss relevant topics and share best practices.

• Guidance and resources for educational institutions: The Guild plans to explore opportunities to provide curriculum guidance, share good practices and core materials to further and higher education institutions.

• Collaborative projects and initiatives: Through partnerships with educational providers, industry and professional bodies, the Guild will assess opportunities for collaborative projects that enhance the learning experience for students.

• Flexible course designs: Recognising the diverse nature of building services engineering, the Guild will encourage the development of courses that allow students to transfer and bridge between sub-disciplines. This flexibility ensures that students can adapt their learning to meet the changing demands of the profession.

A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH WITH INDUSTRY

The Guild plans to work with selected companies, professional bodies and other stakeholders to ensure that educational programmes align with the needs of employers and the broader industry. This partnership approach helps ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also possess the practical skills and experience required to succeed in the workplace.

Collaborating with industry also provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience and insights that are invaluable to their development. Through these partnerships, the Guild aims to create a pipeline of highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the industry’s growth and success.