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Developing an infrastructure of engineering talent

Real acknowledgement of the importance of physics and maths skills backed by tangible joined up action, are vital to delivering a re-balanced economy, achieving strong and sustainable growth, and meeting pressing infrastructure challenges.

EngineeringUK, along with others across the profession has been working with Government departments, including BIS and DfE to help shape tangible actions and real, measurable goals. It’s for that reason that on 7 May I was pleased to hear the Chancellor of the Exchequer launch new commitments to increasing the number of young people taking A-level maths and physics. 

The campaign, “Your Life”, consists of a three-pronged approach to change: a communications campaign, promoting physics and maths A-level with emphasis on girls aged 14-16; the establishment of Maths and Physics “Chairs” - postgraduate specialists, recruited to bring their subject expertise into schools; and a Call to Action - pledges by those from across the sector to increase the numbers of women in engineering.

If we are to accommodate and benefit from an increased uptake of maths and physics at A-level, we must press for further capacity in engineering education post-18. 

We welcome these commitments, which complement the work of EngineeringUK and partner organisations to engage more young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) - and we are working closely with the DfE, which is leading on the campaign from Government – to ensure our activities dovetail.

The campaign has some ambitious aspirations attached to it. Together with the 175 pledges made by the STEM community, the aim is to increase the number of boys and girls taking physics A-level by 50% in three years. Such positive change comes with its own challenges, of course. If we are to accommodate and benefit from an increased uptake of maths and physics at A-level, we must press for further capacity in engineering education post-18. 

For our part, EngineeringUK continues to develop and grow active channels of engagement. Together with the Royal Academy of Engineering, we have been leading on the delivery of the Tomorrow’s Engineers programme, working with 11-14 year olds in schools across the UK, since 2010. A partnership across the profession, the Tomorrow’s Engineers programme has grown to include several of the larger professional engineering institutions, with the ICE, IET and IMechE all represented on the Programme Board.

However, if we are to make a change on the national scale that’s needed, we have to reach even more young people. That’s why, building on feedback from hundreds of employers, Tomorrow’s Engineers plans to facilitate a national programme of engineering employer engagement in schools by joining up other networks and initiatives at a regional level; coordinating activity to improve reach and impact; and sharing best practice. 

It’s vital we understand how we’re doing in our collective aim to inspire the next generation of engineers. 

We are running a pilot programme of this approach during the summer term in two regions - the North East and South East. A Tomorrow’s Engineers Regional Partnership Manager will work with employers and schools in each of those areas, building on existing schools engagement activity and learning from each how activity can be best coordinated to meet their needs - working together to inspire young people and create the next generation of engineers.

We are planning Tomorrow's Engineers Week 2014, working in partnership with businesses, educators and Call to Action signatories.  The Week, which will include a media campaign and provide the focus for a wide range of activities at a local level, will take place from 3 – 7 November and aims to highlight the diversity, opportunity and reward on offer from a career in engineering, with a focus on engaging with 11-14 year olds. 

It’s vital we understand how we’re doing in our collective aim to inspire the next generation of engineers. Our long term targets monitor hard measures of the pipeline of future engineers, such as the numbers of young people taking GCSEs and A Levels in physics and the numbers going into an engineering apprenticeship or to an engineering degree. And we also measure and track the impact of our collaborative efforts on young people’s, their parents’ and influencers’ perceptions of engineering through the annual Engineers and Engineering Brand Monitor - we expect the 2014 results in July. 

The high profile campaign launch and commitments it contains is a great indication that the Government is taking seriously the role of STEM in securing the future of engineering and of our economy. EngineeringUK will play its part to glue STEM to the top of the agenda, and keep those goals on track.  

Paul Jackson is the chief executive of EngineeringUK