The Schools Liaison Officer’s Role

 

I was asked to become the Schools Liaison Officer for the IET’s Manchester Network area when I retired from full time work in 2006. I think this was because I had been involved with developing links between my Company United Utilities and local schools to try to encourage more young people to consider careers in Engineering.



After 10 years in the SLO role I am now ready to step aside, and let someone new have ago at a role which I have thoroughly enjoyed and which has provided me with great satisfaction.



When I asked the two IET Committee members who approached me to take on the role, what it involved?  they said that since there had never been an SLO in the Manchester patch it was up to me what I did.

Fortunately I received  a lot of support when I took up the role including from the IET HQ, who have full time staff the Education 5- 19 section to help SLO’s, and I was also introduced to David Ward who runs a local charitable trust who specialise in providing Stem Support to schools in our area. David has provided me with great support in putting on events, and providing communication links with local schools.



One of the first things I did as an SLO was to sign up to become a Stem Ambassador this provided me with CRB/DBS clearance for working with children, and also provided links with schools who are looking to develop their Stem activities.



There are various activities that I get involved with as an SLO these include attending Careers events at Schools, assessing applications for Funding from organisations wishing to develop Stem activities with Schools, organising the Annual Christmas lecture for School children, IET members and the general public, and various other activities.

As the Schools Liaison Officer I have developed a number of contacts within the local IET membership who I can approach to help out with an event, or to stand in for me if I am unable to attend. This can be beneficial when a request is received from a School which is some distance from where I live in Bolton.



The role of SLO is voluntary but out of pocket expenses, and mileage, incurred by the SLO can be claimed back from the IET.



The IET also provides Careers Literature, IET Banners, and other useful items which can be given to Teachers, Students or Parents explaining the benefits of a career in Engineering.



Although I am planning to retire from the position of SLO at the end of 2016 I will still be available to support, and provide advice to the new SLO who takes over the role from me. So unlike me you would not be on your own when you took up a role from which I am sure you would obtain tremendous satisfaction.



If you are interested in the role and would like to discuss this with me in more detail, please contact me here.



Alan Jones - SLO Manchester Network