The graduates learn about ethics and self-awareness

Tables laid out in circles, chunky workbooks, and free pens. Before we’d even begun, the recent IET Ethics for Engineers workshop had all the hallmarks of a great day of professional development. In this workshop our presenter looked at adding to our previous knowledge in Ethics and Philosophy. This knowledge, it turns out, could likely be written on the back of a small napkin. Undeterred, he absorbed us with a day full of morally ambiguous, engineering-based questions and scenarios.

This was one of two recent professional development courses aimed at building the perspective of the graduate group. These courses form part of the 20% time allocated to all graduates at UKAEA for learning, development and outreach activities. 

The other was the return of our favourite mind-stretching psychologist, Vanessa. Back by popular demand, she presented a sequel to her self-awareness workshop from before Christmas. This was a chance to bring our minds clear of the workplace and embrace more deep, involved conversations. Engineers are stereotypically are not the strongest on the emotional intelligence front, to put it mildly. But this activity day showed a fantastic amount openness and care for others. 

Back in the Ethics workshop, one of the more interesting moments of the day arrived when we were set the task of defining “a profession”. “Is engineering a profession?” We were asked. I think a few may have looked quite affronted. Of course it’s a profession! How could it not be? It seemed simple. But as the debate progressed things only became murkier… and a little more heated. Don’t mention the Cybernetics! 

Our presenter acted as a moderator, letting as many voices as possible be heard before moving on to a more sedate discussion on Codes of Ethics. Side note- just 10 days later Codes of Ethics were in the news, with a government report recommending tech companies have a compulsory Code of Ethics forced upon them. One wonders what our opinions would have been on that point.

The ever-calm voice of Vanessa wanted to explore how our previous experiences have shaped us. As the day progressed she worked her craft, teasing clear the wrought-iron knots of emotional constraint. Another exercise had us ranking our personal values. All of this was to make clear that how we respond to situations of difficulty and conflict is built from our past.

The professional importance of these exercises was evident. This can help us understand ourselves better, as well as people of different backgrounds, personalities and values. Although, some did find all this dialogue quite "draining". 

The afternoon let us all let loose and get some frustrations off our chest. These covered everything from punctuality to work colleagues to plates. Even the graduate scheme managers got in on sharing their annoyances, happy to take part in the spirit of the day. 

A delayed lunch at the Ethics workshop left a few considering the ethical implications of cannibalism. All came to the agreement that George would most certainly make the best meal. Well, all except George. 

An excellent second half began with the ethical challenges of a drone company. We also played out an all too real scenario of trying to appoint capable women to management in countries with poor gender equality. It is a scenario you can be sure has played out many times, and spoiler, there are often no good solutions.

Perhaps the most worrying revelation came at the end of the day, when thirty odd young and bright engineering minds, after a full day of being taught about ethics, all completely disagreed on the definition of a bribe. Some way still to go, perhaps.