The report, entitled ‘Inspiring a generation’ looks at the challenges facing skills in manufacturing, and some potential ways to combat them. Some of the results are surprising; for instance, only 19% of 12-16 year olds know what an engineer does – something that Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, professor of enterprise and engineering education at the University of Sheffield, believes is a huge factor in putting young people off STEM subjects. “In the UK, the general public don’t seem to be aware that engineers are the people who have invented everything they use,” she says. “Everything you interact with or use from the moment you wake up until you go back to sleep has had many engineers involved in making it so.”
Teachers, as well, are encouraged to do more. Jess Penny, general manager of sales at Penny Hydraulics, says that field trips for teachers may be a solution: “Teacher placement schemes in business, business-led workshops or open days for teachers can also help teaching staff better understand the STEM careers landscape and advice students appropriately.”
The UK is facing a dramatic shortage of talent in all areas, but especially in engineering. Over a quarter of a million vacancies are expected in the sector within six years, unless more is done. “The shortage of graduates seeking out careers in engineering is a huge concern for everyone in the industry,” warns Neil Gallant, managing director of Neutronic Technologies. “The world’s demand for talented engineers is growing. If we are to tackle the problems we face, such as global warming and using less energy, we need to increase the supply to meet the demand. But to do that we need to show children that exciting careers can be found here.”
To read the full report, click here.
