PLEE Methodology and Experiences at the University of Twente

Abstract

For some years engineering has been in trouble. Fewer students have applied in general and the consequences have been merging and closing down of universities and departments. However, an initiative known as EPS (European Project Semester) was started in 1995 by this author. Students come together to work on multidisciplinary projects in international teams. This has shown to be an effective way to attract students and to give them international experience and develop their enhanced technical skills. Students of both gender from engineering, business and technology feel attracted to participate in this international semester. Many engineering schools have been inspired to provide the same set-up at their own institution. Several universities in Europe i.e. in Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Germany, France, Finland, Belgium, Portugal and two universities in Spain are now offering this international semester course at their universities. Future competition will be fierce and we need engineers in our companies. Industry must find or invent responsible ways to increase production without environmental consequences. This ought to inspire our students to consider a career in engineering. Obviously, the present engineering education needs some adjustment in order to satisfy industry´s requirements and the wishes of future students. The required skills base has changed. A continuous intake of engineering students is needed in our societies to create new developments and to have somebody to take over where others finish. We must persuade people to choose engineering. In that regard a big credit should be given to The Smallpeice Trust, Warwickshire, England. The Trust has for years done a tremendous work trying to attract young people into engineering.