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Blog EngineeringUK: The UK is facing a severe shortage of engineers
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  • Author Author: Joshua_Evans
  • Date Created: 17 Dec 2012 4:47 PM Date Created
  • Views 226 views
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EngineeringUK: The UK is facing a severe shortage of engineers

Joshua_Evans
Joshua_Evans
17 Dec 2012

http://aperture.adfero.co.uk/Image/Original/7037576

 

The UK must double the number of engineering graduates and apprentices it produces by 2020 in order to match demand, according to EngineeringUK. The body observed that the country produces 46,000 engineering graduates each year, but there is demand for around 69,000. Additionally, the report confirmed that the UK produces 27,000 apprentices a year qualify at level 3, but there is demand for nearly triple that number.

 

The figures have prompted Paul Jackson, EngineeringUK's Chief Executive, to call on the government and industry bodies to work more closely to ensure that the country produces the necessary number of engineers. He said that it is important to capture the imagination of young people and outline the specific attractions of working within the engineering sector. It is imperative, he explained, to "lay the groundwork early".

 

"This means providing robust and consistent careers information for young people that promotes the diversity of engineering careers available and the variety of routes to those careers," he said. "Job prospects in engineering are a good news story. It is crucial, however, that government, business, professional bodies, education and the wider engineering community continue to work together to ensure that the UK has the talent pipeline ready to meet demand."

Meanwhile, Michael Fallon, the Business Minister, has claimed that the government is doing all it can to support the engineering industry. It has, for example, launched apprenticeship schemes and postgraduate training courses, as well as educating young children on the unique appeal of the sector.

 

Despite this, EngineeringUK has implored the government to work more closely with the engineering industry, in addition to professional bodies and the third sector, in order to increase the number of designers the country is producing. A robust careers advice service, which outlines the specific attraction of working in the industry, is a key part of realising this ambition, according to the body.

 

Earlier this year, the IEEE Women in Engineering, the largest international professional organisation dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists, argued that even more needs to be done to encourage girls to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math fields. The body observed that while engineering is the fastest growing occupation around the world, women only represent 25 percent of the total current global workforce in these areas.

 

In what other ways can the UK government support the engineering sector?

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Top Comments

  • DAB
    DAB over 10 years ago +1
    There is a good discussion on the EE Times website about the lack of engineering talent in many places. I posted a note there to the effect that if engineers got even a fraction of the recognition and…
  • dougw
    dougw over 6 years ago in reply to clem57

    BBC micro:bit is a step in the right direction....

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  • clem57
    clem57 over 6 years ago

    A second question is what being done 3 years later? Is there any progress or new stats?

    Clem

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  • ilg
    ilg over 6 years ago in reply to DAB

    I ran into this old article by accident, but I could not abstain from commenting; given the recent events, I have no doubt that once Boris will "take back full control", this will no longer be a problem. ;-)

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  • DAB
    DAB over 10 years ago

    There is a good discussion on the EE Times website about the lack of engineering talent in many places.

     

    I posted a note there to the effect that if engineers got even a fraction of the recognition and addulation we give our sports competitors, you would see interest in engineering explode.

    Look at all of the movies and TV shows, engineers are nerds, unable to chew gum and walk at the same time and are usually portrayed as being complete social misfits.  Does that sound like a career for young people today?  I don't think so.

     

    As a society, we need to adjust our thinking and portrayal of engineers and scientist in a positive light.  Engineering is an ennormously rewarding field, but too often, we are abused by ignorant managers, politicians and even by factory workers. 

     

    If you want engineers, you have to make them look like the essential part of society they represent.  WE are the people who takes ideas and turn them into reality.  No progress is made without developing an Engineering solution.

     

    Sit down and ask yourself if you could build all of the little devices you use everyday.  Then ask people in the general public.  The answers will shock and dismay you.

     

    Just my opinion,

    DAB

     

    PS, yes I enjoy tilting at windmills.  I get a lot of satisfaction when I bring a false perception crashing down.

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