Call for help to promote engineering

Professor John Perkins has called upon Whitehall and the engineering community to inspire future engineering talent and address the skills shortages within the industry. In response, government is making available nearly £49 million in funding for engineering skills. Professor Perkins' Review of Engineering Skills is an analysis of the talent pipeline in engineering. He 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."To address future skills shortages the government has announced: • Up to £30 million in funding in the new year for employers to bid for to address engineering skills shortages in sectors with specific needs • An £18 million investment in a new elite training facility at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. This is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which works with companies from start-ups to the likes of Rolls Royce in developing innovation and next generation technology • £250,000 of seed funding to enable Tomorrow's Engineers to accelerate the nationwide rollout of its employer engagement programme aimed at encouraging children in school to consider engineering careers • £40,000 to support the Daphne Jackson Trust to develop a new fellowship to support people returning to professional engineering jobs after a career break • A portal on the National Careers Service website matching businesses that want to promote engineering careers in schools with organisations who can deliver educational outreach activity 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." EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler said: "Professor Perkins' report underlines the vital role engineering skills will play in the UK's future prosperity. Only by accessing the skills they need can manufacturers pursue their growth ambitions, innovate, export and launch new products into global markets. "The report rightly shines the spotlight on the need for a pipeline of talented future engineers, with credible recommendations on how this can be achieved. Whilst this is a long-term task, the message from employers is clear – we are ready to take on the challenge."