Government campaign seeks to inspire next generation of engineers

The Year of Engineering will see government and industry offer young people across the UK direct experiences of engineering in a push to tackle skills gap during 2018.

Industry partners include companies in technology, healthcare, food production, energy, culture and transport. Partners such as Siemens, the Science Museum Group, Ocado, Usborne, BAE Systems and Crossrail have already pledged their support.

Activities will include large-sale outreach programmes, such as a £1m investment from Shell in the interactive Tomorrow’s Engineers Energy Quest programme for thousands of schoolchildren, a children’s book on engineering from publisher Usborne, and behind-the-scenes tours for families.

The campaign will: highlight the role that individuals can play; encourage parents to help children with their maths homework and enroll them in a coding club; and see engineers share their experience and advice in schools or via social media.

The campaign has been launched because the UK faces an estimated shortfall of 20,000 engineering graduates a year, with half of companies in the sector saying the shortage is having a significant impact on productivity and growth. By bringing young people from all backgrounds face to face with engineering experiences and role models, the campaign aims to showcase the creativity and innovation of engineering careers and widen the pool of young people who consider the profession, diversifying a workforce that is 91% male and 94% white.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “Engineering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy, but a lack of young people entering the profession is damaging growth. With major investment being made in infrastructure and new technologies that aim to improve the way we travel, work and live, it’s crucial to the nation’s success that more people join the profession.

“This Year of Engineering is our commitment to transforming perceptions of engineering among young people, their parents and their teachers. We need people from all backgrounds to see the creativity, opportunity and value of engineering careers.”

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “Engineering makes a significant contribution to our economy and this government is determined to strengthen it further. To ensure we have a high-skilled economy that is fit for the future, our industrial strategy is committed to helping people and businesses by boosting engineering and ensuring everyone has the skills needed to thrive in a modern economy.

Education minister Anne Milton said: “I want to see young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue rewarding careers and jobs in engineering whether they choose an academic or technical route. Through the Year of Engineering, we will work with businesses to inspire the next generation of world-class engineers.

The Year of Engineering launches in January 2018. To find out more, visit the Year of Engineering partner website or follow the campaign on Twitter using hashtag #inspireanengineer