Yet only 6% of over 57,000 graduates who studied science, engineering and technology subjects in 2010 went on to be employed in manufacturing.
Meanwhile the general skills levels remain below those proposed in the Leitch Review in 2004, with an ageing engineer population (see chart, courtesy of SEMTA)
How can we encourage more students into an engineering career?
Statistics show that four of the top ten best-paying degrees are in engineering subjects, so pay prospects shouldn't be an issue. Though more needs to be done to overcome this perception.
The DT report suggests many budding engineers unsuccessfully apply to oversubscribed schemes at blue-chips, are unaware of other opportunities, so drift into other sectors, 14% went into retail for example.
So is the problem one of awareness of opportunities?
Awareness by students that there are plentiful opportunities in the SME sector?
Awareness by the SME sector on how to engage with the student community?
Several schemes exist to forge this link from as early as Year7 onward. The Engineering Development Trust are one such organisation, they run a variety of schemes to capture engineering interest early and develop ongoing relationships with local businesses, culminating in pre-graduate schemes such as the Engineering Education scheme.
For those wanting a more vocational approach, the new Studio Schools , which include work experience in the curriculum, present a fresh approach to address the business call for 'work ready' students
Universities offer employer engagement services to place students, not just for permanent employment but transition schemes such as internships, knowledge transfer and /or innovation partnerships and secondments.
From my experience most take-up here is from blue-chips, whereas SME's have a lot, possible the most to gain from the variety of services available, some of which offer funding options.
All of these schemes are currently blighted by the austerity measures, however, from what I hear there are many funding applications lodged with expectation (and hope) of approval in the coming months.
I'm gathering as much information on this subject as possible to help improve the awareness of the options within the business community to help bridge the gap in an appropriate and affordable way.
Meanwhile, for advice or more information on these issues, contact me via Headway B2B
Link to full Daily Telegraph article
