Engineering and technology sectors are poised to outpace all others in growth by 2030, yet a critical barrier looms: a shortage of skilled workers. Addressing this challenge demands immediate collaboration between the new government and industry leaders to facilitate entry into the workforce for young talent.
EngineeringUK underscores the necessity of a strategic approach to bolster ongoing projects and facilitate major endeavors like Great British Energy. The organization, alongside the National Engineering Policy Centre, advocates for a National Engineering and Technology Workforce Strategy. This strategy, aligned with the government’s manifesto commitments, aims to enhance workforce development, expand training opportunities, and devise a robust post-16 education strategy.
Highlighting the Labour manifesto’s pledge, EngineeringUK emphasizes the urgent need to revamp careers education. This includes increasing the number of careers advisers, broadening the curriculum, and tackling the shortfall in STEM teacher recruitment and retention, which currently exceeds 1,600 vacancies.
EngineeringUK CEO Hilary Leevers stresses the importance of investing in teacher professional development to extend teaching careers, underscoring its pivotal role in nurturing future engineering and technology talent. Leevers asserts, “We need a greater pool of talent in engineering and technology, including expanded apprenticeship opportunities, to meet current demands and propel our economy towards achieving our net-zero goals.”
Leevers further advocates for a unified national strategy to replace fragmented regional approaches, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education and skills plans supported by robust careers guidance in schools. Addressing STEM teacher shortages remains critical to future-proofing the workforce, ensuring sustained growth in these pivotal sectors.
In conclusion, EngineeringUK calls upon the new government to swiftly implement measures that will energize the engineering and technology sectors. By fostering a supportive environment for skills development and career progression, the UK can position itself as a global leader in innovation and sustainable technology.