Collaborative approach highlighting the benefits of diversity in future engineering

This paper looks at the key outputs and outcomes from the 3 year Erasmus+ KA2 Project PEETS (Promoting Excellence in Employability and Transversal Skills) which was awarded a CATE (Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence) by AdvanceHE for its innovative and collaborative approach where 117 students from Glasgow, Scotland; The Hague, Netherlands and Lahti, Finland worked together during three separate 8 day intensive study periods over the three years supported by industry partners and ExpLearn. The theme of renewables was threaded through the three years which gave context to the project activities for the built environment, engineering and applied sciences students. Whilst having students participating from six of the seven continents and more than fourteen participants who’s first language was not English ensured cultural diversity throughout the program. During the early stages of vetting of applicants letters of motivation all the project team had agreed on a policy of inclusivity, breaking down of the traditional barriers which may have precluded some applicants from participating. The initiative has resulted in the development of a range of outputs including an experiential learning model, readily transferable to different educational sectors, levels and disciplines. Outcomes have included enhanced learning experiences for students and staff leading on to further individual and organisational benefits.