Chapters: Join The IGS Job Shadowing Program

Play a leading role in supporting the next generation of geosynthetic engineers by signing up to the IGS Job Shadowing Program.

On-the-job learning is a priceless opportunity for a young person to gain real-world experience, build contacts, extend their network and gain an edge in the job market. It’s also a chance for businesses to give something back to the industry by hosting talented students.

The IGS Job Shadowing Program is an opportunity for chapters to launch their own virtual or in-person work experience schemes to help develop the careers of students and Young Members. The scheme officially launched at the EuroGeo 7 conference this month.

Thanks to a grant from the IGS Foundation (IGSF), a handy guide has been created and is available here (PDF), which explains more about how chapters can set up their own programs tailored to the needs of their membership.

The Foundation, supporting IGS efforts to widen the quality and availability of geosynthetics education, is also providing funding to chapters towards expenses such as lunch and travel if sessions are in-person.

Preston Kendall, of the IGS Young Members Committee, said: “Providing real-world opportunities are vital for students to gain practical understanding about our industry and progress their careers. Meanwhile, our corporate members can gain access to talented and ambitious students with minimal burden or interference with usual business. The IGS is here to help chapters launch their own schemes and I’d urge all chapters to apply today.”

Programs have already been implemented in IGS Australasia and IGS Brazil. You can read more about their approach, as well as feedback from students and businesses that have taken part, in the brochure.

Mr Kendall added: “The IGS is passionate about maximizing education and learning opportunities for our members and we’re very grateful to the support of a number of champions who helped make the launch of the scheme possible, including the IGSF, Dawie Marx, Amber Spears, Natália Correia and our communications partner Inquisitive Type.”

Chapters keen to take part should email youngmembers@geosyntheticssociety.org with an expression of interest.