In Steel and Computing the Rise of the Dip Tech Sandwich Generation

This book is intended as a legacy of the experience of several years in science-based roles being initially challenged technically but in later years challenged and rewarded by leadership roles. This was amongst Sandwich educated colleagues who were motivated in part by themselves and partly by the community around them. Such is the nature of Sandwich Education both in terms of attitude and competence that it is a privilege to be part of this community of graduates.The authors consider that the Sandwich initiative should be a vital steppingstone in the nation’s education. Therefore, it is recommended to the Department of Education and the Department of Industry and to young people contemplating the future direction of their education that they embrace Sandwich education.

Valerie and Neil both had two fathers. Each had their natural father and the other was Harold Wilson, the Labour Prime Minister, who claimed we were the children of his White Hot Technological Revolution. And a revolution it turned out to be resulting in the concept of a Sandwich Education, spending prolonged periods of time in both college and industry. It enabled the rebirth of the polytechnics which morphed into Colleges of Advanced Technology (CATS) and eventually into universities in their own right. Our college, Battersea CAT became the University of Surrey, one of the best endowed universities in the country. We were both immensely fortunate in our education. Neil attended King Edward`s School, Birmingham where he was a prefect, and Valerie attended Streatham Hill and Clapham High School, part of the Girls’ Day School Trust. From school, Neil attended the Outward Bound School at Aberdovey and received an honours award.