SOCOTEC's Ground Investigation Team Continues to Foster Future Geoscientists at the University of Portsmouth

On November 28th and 29th 2024, SOCOTEC's southern GI team conducted their annual Soil and Rock Description Course for second-year engineering geology students. The two-day event maintained 100% attendance and engagement, highlighting the students' enthusiasm for practical, industry-led education. 

Dr. Andy Gibson, Associate Head of the School of Environment, Geography and Geosciences, praised the course structure, noting that "students appreciated the balance of lectures, workshops, and practicals." This blend of theoretical and firsthand learning is crucial for preparing students for real-world challenges in the geosciences field. 

The enthusiasm for the course was echoed in the feedback from students. Many described it as the "best bit of the course so far," highlighting the value they placed on this industry-led instruction. One student remarked, "It was so brilliant to be taught by people in industry," emphasising the unique perspective that SOCOTEC's professionals bring to the classroom. Another student noted, "It really helped me to see what I will be doing for my placement," underscoring the course's role in preparing students for their future careers.  

Industrial Bursary Scheme 

SOCOTEC's involvement with the university extends far beyond this annual course. Since 2013, SOCOTEC has been an Industrial Bursary Sponsor, offering an eight-week summer placement, usually taken between first and second year, in addition to a 44-week industry placement, between second and third years of study.  

Successful candidates are mentored for the duration of their placement by our team at Heathrow, while also gaining valuable experience across different business units, including our in-house laboratories. Skills acquired from their time on placement are transferred into their final year of study, where students apply the data from an ongoing or historic project and use it as the basis for their thesis.  

Delivering an excellent work ethic, newfound industry knowledge, a years’ worth of experience and a high standard of technical and site-based skills, the scheme enables bursary students to thrive within an increasingly competitive graduate jobs market. In fact, research has revealed that Portsmouth graduates participating in the Industrial Bursary Scheme have a greater than 95% success in entering employment within their first year of graduating. 

Going one step further 

In addition to educational programs, SOCOTEC has generously donated equipment no longer in use and lengths of core from nearby schemes to the university. This allows students to practice logging and field-testing techniques, further bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. 

The SOCOTEC GI team believe in the importance of such initiatives and that engagement with universities is key to encouraging uptake of STEM careers, particularly in geosciences. Our longstanding relationship with the University of Portsmouth is something we are immensely proud of, and we continue to work together to bring new minds and perspectives into the GI industry. 

This collaboration exemplifies SOCOTEC's dedication to fostering talent and supporting education in the geosciences field. By providing real-world experience and resources, SOCOTEC is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the ground investigation industry and ensuring a steady influx of well-prepared professionals. 

As the partnership between SOCOTEC and the University of Portsmouth continues to flourish, both organisations look forward to further collaborations that will benefit students and the geosciences industry as a whole.