Engineering leaders and apprentices back professional status for technicians

The EngTechNow campaign, first announced by the Prime Minister last summer, launches today (3 March) during National Apprenticeship Week. It aims to increase the status of engineering technicians, who play a crucial hands-on role in engineering in the UK. Its target is to register 100,000 engineering technicians by 2020. Senior figures at BAE Systems, Crossrail, civil engineering contractor Bam Nuttall, engineering and project management consultant Atkins, and engineering and IT and facilities firm NG Bailey have committed to increase the number of EngTechs in their own workforces. Technicians working on major projects that improve the economic standing of the UK have joined forces with their bosses to show their support for professionally registered status. And a survey from the Industry Apprentice Council shows that 96.5% of engineering apprentices believe that apprenticeships should lead to professional registration as standard. More than 300 UK engineering firms have graduate development schemes that encourage graduates to progress to professional status as incorporated engineers or chartered engineers. The EngTechNow campaign is urging more companies to recognise that those who have come through vocational and apprenticeship routes can also achieve professional status as Engineering Technicians. Simon Howison, engineering projects director at BAE Systems, said: "Professional registration is a great opportunity for apprentice engineers and technicians. It is a clear indication of the high standards apprentices and technicians have achieved and will really boost the perception and status of careers in engineering. I'd encourage every company to get on board and join the campaign. Lets have at least 100,000 UK Engineering Technicians registered by 2020."