Government invests in future of engineering
The Government is to invest nearly £49 million to improve the quantity and quality of education for engineering. The announcement follows the publication of the ‘Review of engineering skills’ carried out by Prof. John Perkins. The funding includes £30 million for employers to bid for to address shortages of engineering skills in sectors with specific needs. There is also an £18 million for a new elite facility at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry as part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
To encourage children in school to consider engineering careers, £250 000 of seed funding is being made available to enable Tomorrow’s Engineers to accelerate the national roll-out of its employer engagement programme.
Commenting on the review, Prof. John Perkins said, ‘I have highlighted the challenges currently faced by the engineering industry and the importance of all partners working together to attract future engineering talent in order to grow the UK economy. This review sets out Government plans for the future, and I would encourage employers, educators and professional bodies in the industry to take note and get involved.’
Business secretary Vince Cable, said, ‘Engineering has a vital role to play in the future of UK industry. It is important that we act now to ensure businesses have access to the skills they require to enable them to grow. We cannot do this alone, so I am calling on employers and education professionals to get involved and inspire the next generation of engineers.’
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ chief executive, Stephen Tetlow, says, ‘The UK urgently needs 87 000 new engineers every year to give our economy any chance of future growth, yet we currently only mange to recruit 51 000. As each day goes by, the UK loses 100 skilled engineers.’
Speaking for CIBSE, Carilyn Clements, director of membership, said, ‘CIBSE supports the recommendation of the Perkins’ report to increase the amount of engineers in order to strengthen the economy. With some signs of economic recovery and a large Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills gap it is vital that the UK encourages young engineers to help strengthen engineering industries and meet demands.
‘It is particularly important to encourage young women and diversity within building-services engineering, and CIBSE is helping by working with local schools, its diversity panel and young-engineers network — in addition to recognising young talent with the annual young engineers awards.’
Nigel Fine, chief executive of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, says, ‘We welcome the Perkins’ review. Its recommendations offer a clear way forward to close the engineering skills gap.’
