Securing future workforce is vital, says EngineeringUK

Moira Shaftoe, Head of Professional Institutions and Partnerships at EngineeringUK, says securing the future engineering and technology workforce is vital.

Engineering and technology are critically important industries in the UK; however, there simply aren’t enough people working in these sectors. We know that demand is going up, but the workforce we do have lacks diversity. For engineering and technology to really thrive and to address some of the key challenges we face – including the need to improve environmental sustainability – we need a stronger, more representative workforce. For that to happen, we must do things differently to make sure engineering appeals to the next generation.

That’s why EngineeringUK has made it its mission to enable more young people of all backgrounds to be informed and inspired in order to progress into engineering and technology. EngineeringUK is a not-for-profit organisation that collaborates with hundreds of others, including employers and businesses in the sector, professional engineering institutions (such as CABE), government departments and policy groups. It has four key areas of work:

• research and evidence – offering insight into the current workforce and future workforce needs. Evaluations help to understand what really works to inspire the next generation

• leadership – growing the collective impact of all engineering and tech inspiration and careers activities for schools, learning from others and driving collaboration to improve the quality of engagement

• activities for schools – expanding activities to reach more and more diverse young people, inspiring students with the wonders of modern engineering and tech careers, and prioritising content related to sustainability; and

• advocacy – pushing for the policy change necessary to ensure all young people get the quality STEM and careers education they need and deserve, and championing vocational routes and opportunities for all.

There are many ways you can get involved. As an employer you can:

• become an EngineeringUK corporate member

• support and exhibit at the annual Big Bang Fair; and

• join the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code community

There’s also plenty you can do on an individual level – you can:

• seek out volunteering opportunities such as becoming a volunteer at the Big Bang Fair
• share your own career story – for example, becoming a Neon case study; and

• get involved with campaigns – like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week and National Careers Week.

CABE members rely on a skilled workforce to design, build and maintain the infrastructure of the built environment. By supporting EngineeringUK’s work, CABE members can help to ensure that there is a future pipeline of talented engineers and technologists who can meet the needs of the sector. Please support this mission to ensure that the engineering and technology sector can thrive.

For more information visit engineeringuk.com

Image credit | Big Bang Fair