Engineering isn’t about building a house or a bridge; it’s about helping to build the future.100,000 new engineering jobs are set to be created in the UK by 2018 – but more should be done. Up to 100,000 new engineering jobs could be created in the UK by 2018
A shocking new report by EngineeringUK revealed that 12.2 per cent of young people under 19 haven’t taken advanced engineering apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship is seen as one of the most important ways to help rebuild the UK’s economy, and the lack of younger engineers might ruin the UK’s chances to compete with countries such as the US and China.
Richard McMunn of how2become, a leading career specialist, said that “many companies end up offering interns [apprentices] a permanent position amongst their staff”.
But how can young engineers be convinced to take up the apprenticeship challenge?
Paul Jackson, EngineeringUK’s Chief Executive, mentioned in an E&T interview that it is “crucial that engineering gains sustained support for education”. More young people should be taking up GSCE physics, which is an important pillar of engineering.
Career advisors and teachers also need support to better understand how STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) works. This will help them advise their students on the possible careers they can take after finishing its courses.
Busting the myths
‘Engineering is for boys, not girls’: It’s one of the most common myths people have about engineering. But research from Tomorrow’s Engineers shows that 65 per cent of young girls wouldn’t consider an engineering career.
It also revealed that 65 percent of mothers won’t encourage their daughters to take up engineering courses. Below are the other myths people believe about engineering:
– It’s factory-based (14 percent)
– Dirty, smelly, and oily (15 percent)
– Very boring and uncreative (17 percent)
These myths need to be busted. Convincing youths to get interested in engineering-related subjects isn’t enough—they need to be educated about it.
The government, engineering professionals and even companies should work hand-in-hand to inspire young engineers.
Develop engineers from a grassroots level
Around 87,000 new engineers are needed annually in the UK, according to Stephen Tetlow, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. With only 51,000 recruits to date, the UK is losing 100 skilled engineers daily.
If the demand isn’t met, the UK could lose its edge in the global market. Since the necessary skills for engineering take time to develop, focusing on STEM subjects is necessary.
At a young age, parents should educate children about the importance of STEM. They should know and understand the possible career avenues it may bring.
On the other hand, businesses that rely on engineers should help develop better training materials for apprenticeship. It will help encourage students to take up engineering courses which can lead to a career in the industry.
Engineering isn’t just about building a house or a bridge; it’s about helping build the future. Apprenticeship can help aspiring engineers realize their dream. It’s not the ‘poorer cousin’ of a university degree—it’s an important academic route.