IMechE calls for urgent action to stop UK engineering skills shortage
Large scale engineering projects could be fatally undermined in the future by a shortfall in engineering graduates, according to a report launched today by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The 'Meeting the Challenge: Demand and Supply of Engineers in the UK' report estimates that the UK needs 31,100 new graduate engineers every year for the next five years to meet industry demand in 2017. Currently just 12,000 engineering students graduate annually.
Stephen Tetlow (pictured), chief executive of the IMechE, said: "A shortage of engineers would affect every person in Britain, potentially damaging the country's vitally important manufacturing sector, energy and transport systems, as well as the UK's global competitiveness.
"Worryingly, we are not producing enough engineering graduates to meet forecast demand. Failure to attract more of the next generation into the profession could prove disastrous for the future of British engineering."
While there is little evidence of an overall shortage in the UK today, the IMechE believes the situation could quickly change as ambitious infrastructure projects, a planned increase in UK manufacturing and the implementation of low carbon energy plans all call for a flood of new engineers.
To meet this demand, the institution calls for a clear government plan to unite industry, educators and the engineering profession; investment schemes to promote engineering in schools; more flexible routes into engineering and an industry led careers service.
The full report can be downloaded below.
