Readers back Dyson ‘school of engineers’ - with reservations

James Dyson brings out the best and worst in people. Our first ‘Pulse of the Industry’ poll – carried out via our fortnightly e-zine – shows broad support for his ‘school for engineers’. But despite two-thirds of respondents giving his idea the thumbs-up, there were some disagreements. The tone of most replies was negative. “A school of engineering for engineers – isn’t that called a university,” went one acidic reply. “Support the existing ones, don’t reinvent the wheel.” Others agreed: “Specialist institutions are unlikely to generate the most rounded graduates,” said one. “The problem lies with our current culture, where ignorance of technology and science is seen as being acceptable – or even positive.” “There’s no point having another school of engineering when existing technical colleges cannot get enough students,” said another. “The problem starts at school, where engineering and technology is the ‘mucky hands’ option that needs maths – and work.” Here, it seems, Dyson is ahead of the game. His idea is to bring engineering to school-age children, rather than beefing up the university system. Many agree that a lack of interest at school age is the killer. “The engineering school is a brilliant idea but it needs to teach thinking methods. Youngsters are fed with solutions, rather than being taught to work round the problem,” was a typical reply. Others followed suit. “It is a good idea and good publicity,” said one. “I hope it works, and that there is still employment in engineering when these young people emerge on the UK job market.” One, though, has already given up, stating: “I would not encourage my children to go into engineering” – as if it were akin to pole dancing or drug dealing. Around 40% of respondents found it hard to find graduates of the right calibre, with 30% seeing a decline in the quality of graduates. “I have employed four graduates and found them to be very arrogant,” said one unimpressed employer. “They rely too heavily on what they are taught – so if it’s not a part of their brief encounter with learning engineering then it can’t be done.” Another seems to have arrived at an answer already: “I have to ask ‘Why would you want to go into engineering?’ The wages aren’t great, promotions are poor and the work is hard. Why not get an ‘easy’ degree and work in the service sector?” Even this may not be the answer, if one reply is to be believed. “This country is losing its ability and skills to make anything, including a cup of coffee.” Let the service industry beware…