Summary

Four Universities, Bristol, Loughborough, Kingston and Salford, designed and piloted language modules linked to Engineering and Built Environment Degrees.  Within each University, a language expert work closely with a vocational expert to design the modules in consultation with employers and professional bodies such as the Engineering Council UK and RICS, Construction Skills.

 

Salford University delivered taster sessions in Arabic in the first semester, followed by a 20 hour course in Arabic within the context of surveying in semester two. The course aims to equip students with the relevant linguistic skills set to get ahead in the built environment industry as there may be longer term employment opportunities in the Middle East.

Aimed at undergraduate students on Built Environment degrees it is hoped to encourage student take up of the optional year abroad work placement in Dubai. The importance of intercultural working has not been neglected and it is additionally the intention to promote understanding of the way of life and specific work environment in the countries where Arabic is spoken.

 

All project partners have contributed to two fact sheets which make the case for languages in the Built Environment and Engineering. These will form part of CILT's Languages Work suite of publications.

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