Research conducted by industrial components and engineering services specialists Neutronic Technologies has revealed that almost three-quarters (72%) of people believe that not enough is currently being done to encourage children to study STEM subjects.
It’s well documented that the UK is already facing a substantial shortage of engineering and STEM talent.
A recent report by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) highlighted that 68% of employers are concerned that the nation’s education system is struggling to keep up. A further 40% believe that recruitment will be hit hard over the coming years due to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Given this, and the urgent problems facing the modern world, the need for industry-wide change has never been more apparent.
To help inspire the step-change required, Neutronic Technologies has produced its own report to thoroughly examine what can be done to get more young people interested in STEM.
Inspiring a Generation: How can we get more kids into engineering? takes an in-depth look at the condition of the engineering industry. It explores what’s holding it back, and calls on expert opinion to discover exactly what can be done to overcome these issues.
Managing Director of Neutronic Technologies, Neil Gallant commented: “The shortage of graduates seeking out careers in engineering is a huge concern for everyone in the industry, and the issues between the UK and Europe are likely to only exacerbate the problem.
“Global demand for talented engineers is growing. If we are to tackle the problems we face, such as global warming and the need to use less energy, we need to increase the supply to meet the demand. But to do that we must show children that exciting careers can be found here, and that’s why we need national campaigns like Tomorrow’s Engineers Week.”
Tomorrow’s Engineers Week
Tomorrow’s Engineers Week takes place from November 7 – 11, and is a national campaign dedicated to showcasing the incredible jobs that real-life engineers do, and changing people’s perception of the industry.
The campaign is now in its fourth year and aims to inspire all young people, but particularly girls, to consider engineering careers they may not have known existed.
Chief executive of EngineeringUK, Paul Jackson, who provided a comment on the future of the industry for the Neutronic report, noted: “Engineers help to save lives, make our days easier, and create amazing innovations that astound us and keep us entertained.
“Tomorrow’s Engineers Week showcases what engineers do and it gives young people from all backgrounds the chance to take on engineering challenges and imagine their future as an engineer.
“The aim of the week is ultimately to address the skills shortage in engineering. [Almost 2 million] people with engineering skills are needed this decade, meaning we need to boost the number of apprentices and graduates entering the industry. To achieve this the community must work together to inspire more young people (boys and girls) and encourage them to think of engineering as an exciting career option.”
