Engineering, one of UK’s fastest growing job sectors says WorldSkills

Companies such as Cisco, 3M, Renishaw and Bentley Motors made the announcements prior to the event, which will also see hundreds of additional employers attending to recruit for a range of vacancies. In addition, colleges and training providers from across the UK will provide access to learning places, courses and apprenticeships. The announcements follow analysis conducted by WorldSkills London 2011 which report the fastest growing skilled occupations since 2001. Engineering roles feature prominently on the list with the number of mechanical engineers growing by 23%, electrical engineers by 19% and civil engineers by 12%. Aidan Jones, chief executive of WorldSkills London 2011, said: "Skills shape our world and as such it is vital young people and parents are aware of how the working world is evolving. There are likely to be some stark advances in the skills in demand and the industries in which people work in the future. For example, job titles such as solar PV fitter, offshore wind technician and wind turbine technician could become mainstream. We could even see roles like old age wellness manager or robot mechanic growing significantly in number as skilled occupations of the future." Lesley Giles, UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) added: "Emerging technology, changing consumer trends and the low carbon agenda are all likely to influence the demand for future skills. Engineering is [an] … area that is expected to increase as the UK looks to develop high level skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. This will be critical as we move towards the future and also in replacing workers set for retirement." Ben Taylor, assistant chief executive of Renishaw, noted: "Skills development is vital to enable Renishaw to maintain its leadership in advanced engineering and scientific solutions for measurement and healthcare. That is why we have run our own apprenticeship and undergraduate schemes for over 25 years, launched our own skills academy last year, and this summer gave placements to some 70 university students." WorldSkills London 2011 takes place from 5 to 8 October at ExCeL London. 1000 young people from more than 50 member countries and regions will compete in 46 skill areas including mobile robotics, mechatronics, automobile technology and mechanical engineering.