Nearly half way through this fascinating insight into careers thanks to BP’s hospitality. This morning, the focus was upon developing teaching resources in collaboration with a software company called EdComs, based at Oval in Kennington. Two main projects we saw today were Edcoms Teachers which is being developed in partnership with BP to provide resources for schools, such as primary schools, that may not have adequate provision for teaching science.
Teachers play a vital role in the development of this project, for example, through trialling software.We were fortunate to be able to speak and advise two employees who are paramount in rolling out this nationally. What was encouraging about this project was the inclusion of practical kits for schools alongside the more common resources we see advertised on a daily basis, such as worksheets and videos. Teachers can sign up to this project using the link above.
The other project we heard about is currently in development and is three years into a five year program in collaboration with King’s College, London. The Science Capital project is aimed at raising the profile of STEM subjects in school. What is different about this project is that it is more pupil centred and relies on young people generating a “holdall” of all their experiences they acquire in all aspects of life, not just in school, to help generate interest and uptake in STEM subjects through the 11-14 years. Do have a look at this using the link below.
Science Capital by King’s and BP
The second part of our day was spent at BP HQ in St James Square, London. What became apparent from speaking to BP employees, which has been backed up by employees at both Canary Wharf and Sunbury, is the skills aspect of their background giving the the tools to carry out their duties in the workplace, irrespective of their level of entry into BP or the qualifications they may hold.
Discussions with a member of the sustainability team echoed this. Having graduated in Biochemistry and gaining a Masters in Environmental Science, his concern is now long term planning and looking after main stream investors, financial returns and social governance. The need to use analytical and interpretive skills as well as being able to evaluate data effectively are an essential part of his daily duties in his current position. A science degree and, according to this employee, a Masters degree, are essential in developing these transferable skills that are needed in the modern day workplace. An interesting point picked up from this discussion was that evaluation is not individual activity but should be a group centred activity – something for the teaching community to look at if they are not already doing so.
This was also echoed in our meeting with a former teacher from Kentucky, now working for BP in London. Having studied English in the USA followed by a Masters in Education, she came to BP working in communications. To quote “I could not have done this without my experience as a teacher” – again, transferable skills coming to the fore. Are we doing enough of preaching this through careers at schools? An area for development and discussion when I return to school for sure.
We finished a busy day speaking to a chemical engineer now working in finance and an employee working in government and political affairs at BP having studied Politics and French as an undergraduate – no surprise that they also talked about how they are applying their skills from their time in education to their current day roles. For example, analysing risk in countries prior to exploration by the “Upstream” arm of BP, can a government make policy decision that will allow development and exploration in that country? Interpretation of political events and evaluating them for risk being a major part of this employees work.
Not only are transferable skills obtained through a person’s education and work experience important, but people skills and communication have been mentioned also. This is something I intend to look at later if I get the opportunity in this busy schedule BP have organised.
To summarise, before a two day break – back on Monday and Tuesday to finish this placement:
- Transferable skills are important in many, if not all, aspects of the workplace. To this effect, employees spoke of the advantage of having a Masters degree to hone these skills
- However, this is a difficult skill to master if background knowledge is not sound, and academic ability should not be overlooked.
- Skills should be used alongside knowledge and one should not be at the expense of the other, as I am sure all teachers are pushing on a daily basis with their own classes.
Enjoy the weekend, and I will continue on Monday following a visit to BP in Pangbourne.
Doc Rs Blog 