Leica Geosystems partners with Class of Your Own to Inspire the next generation of industry professionals

Leica Geosystems is proud to support and partner with the Class of Your Own (COYO) initiative to raise the profile of architecture, engineering and professional construction careers in UK schools. Aimed to inspire young people into the industry, COYO provides a hands on and focused Edexcel accredited Key Stage 3 project based curriculum to challenge young learners to design, engineer and construct in the Built Environment.



Through practical workshops students will plan, manage and complete their own sustainable building project, learning about new technology such as 3D laser scanning and BIM (Building Information Modelling), sustainability techniques and environmental issues. As well as gaining a clear appreciation of the wide range of career opportunities in the Built Environment, from architect and surveyor to structural engineer and construction manager.

Alison Watson, Co Founder of COYO comments “Young people spend all day in buildings, be it in school, at home, or their local shopping centre. They see new buildings springing up all around them wherever they go, but we’re finding that they really don’t appreciate the wide range of careers available to them and are largely misinformed. Furthermore, they might have heard about sustainability and know of some key environmental issues but don’t understand how these relate to the buildings they inhabit. If we can encourage them to see the industry as a thoroughly exciting place to be, they are well placed to contribute to the demanding tasks as the next generation of construction professionals.”

“I am pleased to have the support of such a reputable and world-renown organisation. Kids get thoroughly excited when they work with genuine professional equipment. I’m really grateful to the team at Leica Geosystems who so generously support our young people by providing them with access to the latest technology, from the handheld Leica DISTO to 3D laser scanners.

David Price, Managing Director, Leica Geosystems Ltd comments “Class of Your Own is a unique programme offering young people a chance to experience the excitement, the buzz and the pride of working in our industry. We are proud to be able to support such a ground-breaking cause, to not only help raise the profile of the industry and inspire a new generation of people to enter the profession, but also provide students with an authentic sense of project ownership and inclusion. In addition to providing access to our technology, but we’re also funding a COYO curriculum locally in Milton Keynes.” 


“With this practical and exciting taster into our industry at such a critical age before GCSE’s are chosen, this programme can help inspire the imagination of students and enthuse them to join the industry. Alison and her efforts over the past few years should be commended, not only has the curriculum had a positive uptake in the UK but the project has also had interest further beyond our shores in the US and Middle East. We would encourage the rest of the industry to help support Class of Your Own as Alison is actively seeking surveying and engineering professionals to participate in workshops at local schools.”

The course, which is exam-free, can be completed in 60 guided learning hours over one or two years. Students can continue the course to a Level 3 Extended Project (one GCSE).

Internet: www.leica-geosystems.co.uk