Engineering skills seen as vital for energy
Following the publication of OFGEM's report on February 3rd 2010, to the effect that the UK only has a 'Window of opportunity' to ensure the security of energy supplies beyond the middle of this decade, the Energy Institute (EI) points out the importance of scientific and engineering skills to secure the UK's future energy.
According to James Smith (pictured), chairman of Shell UK and EI president: "A major rebuild of Britain's energy system will need large numbers of people with science and engineering skills to get the job done. This spells opportunity for rewarding careers and job satisfaction. It also means we have to close the skills gap fast.
"Closing the science and engineering skills gap is a big job for government, industry, schools and universities. The skills needed are diverse so apprenticeships for craft skills matter every bit as much as degrees in design engineering. There are great careers for men and for women and we will need to tap into all this talent to secure the UK's future energy."
As the professional body for the industry, the EI promotes careers in the energy sector. A recent EI/Ipsos MORI survey revealed that 84% of the energy industry workforce was 'Satisfied' and 39% 'Very satisfied'.
