The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community

The Year of Engineering

20 November 2017 | Updated 01 January 1970
 

The Year of Engineering will see government and industry offer young people across the UK a million direct experiences of engineering in a major push to tackle the skills gap.

The government has said it will work with hundreds of industry partners and pledged to offer a million direct and inspiring experiences of engineering to young people throughout the year 2018.

Teaming up with a diverse range of partners – covering everything from technology, healthcare and food production to energy, culture and transport – the campaign aims to galvanise industry, MPs, parents and teachers in a national push to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Activities will include outreach programmes, such as a £1 million investment from Shell in the interactive Tomorrow’s Engineers Energy Quest programme for thousands of schoolchildren; a children’s book on engineering from publisher Usborne; and behind the scenes tours for families. The campaign will also highlight the role that individuals can play – from parents helping children with their maths homework or enrolling them in a coding club, to engineers from all backgrounds sharing their experience and advice in schools or via social media.

 

Tackling the shortfall

The commitment comes as the UK faces an estimated shortfall of 20,000 engineering graduates a year, with half of companies in the sector saying the shortage is having a significant impact on productivity and growth. By bringing young people from all backgrounds face to face with engineering experiences and role models, the campaign aims to showcase the creativity and innovation of engineering careers and widen the pool of young people who consider the profession, diversifying a workforce that is 91% male and 94% white.

Partners including Siemens, the Science Museum Group, Ocado, Usborne, BAE Systems and Crossrail have already pledged their support. Teaming up with these and hundreds of other partners, the government will deliver a year of UK-wide school visits, exhibitions and open doors events – all aimed at encouraging young people and their parents to take a closer look at engineering.

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “Engineering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy but a lack of young people entering the profession is damaging growth. With major investment being made in infrastructure and new technologies that aim to improve the way we travel, work and live, it’s crucial to the nation’s success that more people join the profession.

“This Year of Engineering is our commitment to transforming perceptions of engineering among young people, their parents and their teachers. We need people from all backgrounds to see the creativity, opportunity and value of engineering careers.”

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “Engineering makes a significant contribution to our economy and this government is determined to strengthen it further. To ensure we have a high-skilled economy that is fit for the future, our industrial strategy is committed to helping people and businesses by boosting engineering and ensuring everyone has the skills needed to thrive in a modern economy.”

Education Minister Anne Milton said: “I want to see young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue rewarding careers and jobs in engineering whether they choose an academic or technical route. Through the Year of Engineering, we will work with businesses to inspire the next generation of world-class engineers. For our country to thrive and prosper with the highly-skilled individuals that businesses need we must work with employers to tackle the skills gap. The Year of Engineering will help to address the shortages of engineers that have long held us back as an economy."

The Year of Engineering launches in January 2018. To find out more, visit the Year of Engineering partner website or follow the campaign on Twitter. Follow the hashtag #inspireanengineer to discover how parents, teachers, engineers and organisations can inspire the next generation of budding engineers.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Head of Education Peter Finegold said: “It is very timely that government is taking steps to boost the profile of engineering.  We hope that by working with industry and academia, the Year of Engineering will help to show the public the vital role engineering plays in society.

“From developing more efficient transport through to developing medical equipment, engineers around the country are working to improve the world we live in.

“Given the chronic shortage of graduate and apprentice engineers, we especially hope this campaign play a key role in support of the imminent Industrial Strategy white paper.”

The Year of Engineering launches in January 2018. To find out more, visit the Year of Engineering partner website

 

 

Article written by Cathryn Ellis | Published 20 November 2017

Share



Related Articles

How The Mighty Fall - HSE Issued With Crown Censure

In something of a bitter irony, the Health and Safety Executive has avoided justice because of its status and  has instead accepted a Crown Censure after a worker at...

 Read Full Article
If Dolly Can Be Hacked, What About The Hand Dryer?

  Connected toys with Bluetooth, wi-fi and mobile apps may seem like the perfect gift for Christmas. But Which? has found that, without appropriate safety...

 Read Full Article
Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside

The RIBA Stirling Prize judges have decided they really do like being beside the sea as they have voted their top prize to the fabulously restored Hastings Pier. The...

 Read Full Article
School Sprinklers - NFCC Issues Lesson

The National Fire Chiefs Council is calling for all new school builds or refurbishments to have sprinklers fitted - a policy that is mandatory in Scotland and...

 Read Full Article
50 Years On From Drink Drive Tests, Life Sentences To Be Set For Killer Drivers

Life sentences will be introduced for those who cause death by dangerous driving and for careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs and a new...

 Read Full Article
Robo Cops Considerate Constructors' Ultra Site Status

The Robertson Group’s construction of the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (AECC) has been designated a national Ultra Site status - the highest level of...

 Read Full Article
Largest Office Move in History & How to Avoid the Stress

Telia's move into new headquarters in Solna, Stockholm is being claimed as the largest office move in history by the Swedes After 57 years in old worndown premises...

 Read Full Article
Half the World Away from More Footie Towers

A development funded by multi-millionaire ex-footballers Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, including two massive office/hotel/domestic towers, would harm Manchester...

 Read Full Article
Blown Away - Hole in the Wall Gang 'Banged' Up

Friday 3 saw three men sentenced to over 30 years imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court for using ‘explosive gas’ to rob 27 cash machines (ATMs) across London...

 Read Full Article
Showboat

The Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party is one of the most popular events in the facilities management industry’s calendar. This year's event,...

 Read Full Article