Two years on from the Perkins review of engineering skills and just as we all pull together plans for the third Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, something rather exciting is happening. As editor, Antony Oliver, commented recently the public is starting to appreciate engineers and plans to reach 1 million young people with great engineering in schools means they might even want to join us when they enter the workforce.

Findings from our annual perceptions survey, to be published later this month, show that 27% more 11-14 year olds believe a career in engineering is desirable than five years ago. The proportion of 15 and 16 year olds who would consider a career in engineering has increased from 37% to 49% in the same period. And for 17-19s the number that have considered an engineering career has risen from 23% to 37% overall, with the proportion of girls of that age who have considered the industry rising from 12% to 28%.

"This coordinated approach will see the programme reach a million young people with positive messages about engineering each year. That’s an inspiring thought."

This year’s survey shows a massive jump in the proportion of teachers who see engineering careers as desirable for their students. This stands at 79% compared to 57% in 2014 and the number of teachers saying engineering is undesirable for their students has halved since last year, falling from 17% to 8%.

The Perkins review called for a coordinated approach to inspiring the next generation. By delivering engaging activities in schools you can showcase real engineers and real engineering and really bring the industry alive for young people. Why bother? Because we need to attract new talent to the 1.82 million engineering roles we will need before 2022. That’s where you come in. 

During Tomorrrow’s Engineers Week, 2-6 November, we want schools and employers across the UK to work together on events and activities to inspire future engineers. We need you to tell young people about your amazing job, either attending or hosting events/activities for young people. While we will lead on the public relations for the Week, its success depends on active input from engineers and engineering employers across the UK.

"If you’re new to Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, we can help. You can get inspiration from the website or contact one of the Tomorrow’s Engineers team"

To support this year’s campaign we’ve also recruited two young vloggers (video bloggers), who will feature on the Tomorrow’s Engineers YouTube channel to help dispel myths around engineering and inspire young people to study STEM subjects. 

If you’re new to Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, we can help. You can get inspiration from the website or contact one of the Tomorrow’s Engineers team. That team is currently headed up by Chris Binnie, who follows in the footsteps of National Grid’s Vicky Higgin, joining us on secondment from BAE Systems. This strong support from business is a huge boon for the programme, which now has employer support managers working with employers in the South East, North East, South West and West Midlands.

That active engagement at local and regional level to improve the reach and impact of schools outreach activity feeds into a national picture that will continue to improve as employers across the country join the network. This coordinated approach will see the programme reach a million young people with positive messages about engineering each year. That’s an inspiring thought.

Paul Jackson i chief executive of EngineeringUK
www.engineeringuk.com
@_EngineeringUK