Engineering for tomorrow

An Institution of Mechanical Engineers product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 12, 2008

With 70% of 16-19 year-olds reportedly not knowing what an engineer does, the engineering skills shortage is likely to get worse before it gets better.

Businesses across the South-East of England are urged to attend a one-off event to showcase career opportunities for engineering in the region and safeguard the region's economic future in the face of a chronic shortage of skilled engineers.

Maintaining a healthy engineering sector is critical for the economy but there is currently a severe shortage in the supply of engineers.

With 70% of 16-19 year-olds reportedly not knowing what an engineer does, this situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.

In light of this worrying trend, South-Eastern businesses have teamed up with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and West Sussex County Council to learn about developing roles like Engineering Technicians (EngTech) in the region at the Engineering for Tomorrow event at Gatwick on 18th March 2008.

BAA, Virgin Airlines, Novartis and Thales are just a few of the region's employers that will be at the IMechE event which will increase awareness of the various engineering opportunities open to employers and employees.

Claire Maycock, IMechE Regional Manager for the South-East region, says: "It is vital that businesses across the region do everything they can to engage the next generation of engineers and develop the talent they already have".

"We are lucky to have some really great companies in this area - companies who care about developing and training their staff".

"This event will be a great chance for these businesses to learn about some new ways to encourage potential engineers".

One such initiative is the (EngTech) professional registration level launched by the IMechE last November.

EngTech encourages apprentice engineers by offering them a structured professional development programme and formal recognition of their competences.

Qualified EngTechs find it easier to get that next promotion and earn a favourable wage while employers benefit from having the assurance that their workers are well-trained and possess skills that are recognised by their peers.

Another opportunity available to businesses in the region is the young apprentice programme run by West Sussex County Council.

The scheme offers 14-16 year-old pupils 50 days of work-experience over a two year period, the chance to study for a level-two qualification in their chosen vocation and the opportunity to link up with a mentor.

Lou Taylor, who works on the council's programme, says: "Young people are generally not too aware of the great engineering opportunities available to them and the Young Apprentice scheme is excellent for raising awareness about the exciting companies right on their doorstep".

"It offers the children a chance to learn by doing and encourages them to become engaged with engineering at a young age".

"Very soon these youngsters have to make important decisions about their future and by giving them the chance to see what engineering is all about we hope to inspire them to pursue a career in that area".