Date: September 19, 2023
EngineeringUK, a not-for-profit organization, has revealed its new strategy for the next five years, aimed at driving change to encourage more young people to choose careers in engineering and technology. The organization’s refreshed vision is for the UK to have a diverse workforce that can support the growth of engineering and technology, drive economic prosperity, enhance sustainability, and achieve net-zero goals.
Despite the importance of the engineering and tech sectors for the UK’s future, they continue to face significant workforce challenges, including a need for more people and greater diversity in the workforce. EngineeringUK’s new strategy aims to address these challenges and inspire more young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue engineering and technology careers.
Key elements of EngineeringUK’s strategy for 2023 to 2028 include:
Research and Evidence: Conducting research to understand the composition of the current engineering and technology workforce, their future needs, and strategies to address those needs.
Leadership: Leading efforts to enhance the collective impact of all engineering and technology inspiration and careers activities for young people of school age.
Activities for Schools: Expanding initiatives to engage and encourage a broader and more diverse group of young people to consider careers in engineering, technician, and tech roles.
Advocacy: Providing advocacy and support to address policy and delivery challenges in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and careers education, as well as workforce planning for engineering and tech.
Dr. Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, emphasized the importance of working in partnership to achieve the mission of inspiring, informing, and guiding more young people into engineering and technology careers.
Dr. Alice Bunn, Chief Executive of the Institution for Mechanical Engineers and EngineeringUK Trustee, stressed the need for collaboration to drive change and ensure that young people acquire the skills required for engineering careers.
Ed Almond, Chief Executive of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and EngineeringUK Trustee, highlighted the critical role of organizations like EngineeringUK in promoting STEM careers to young people from diverse backgrounds.
EngineeringUK’s strategy aligns with the growing demand for engineers and emphasizes the importance of showcasing the impact of engineering in addressing global challenges, advocating for engineering policy and education, and fostering collaboration among engineering organizations.
Benj Sykes, Head of Environment, Consenting, and External Affairs at Orsted, welcomed EngineeringUK’s focus on sustainability and net-zero goals, emphasizing the significance of a diverse talent pool for industries like renewable energy.
The new strategy reflects EngineeringUK’s commitment to fostering a workforce equipped to tackle future challenges and contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world through engineering and technology.