Engineering revival needs new partnership10 December 2013

When it comes to boosting engineering skills, it's been a busy couple of months for the Coalition.

Indeed, pundits might justifiably say that the powers that be have finally been putting their money where their collective mouth is.

First, there was the announcement of £49 million of funding to help develop engineering skills, following publication of the Perkins Review of Engineering Skills.
Then came the news that more than 50 colleges will now be able to invest millions in building modern facilities – many for science and engineering – after two further rounds of government capital investment unlocked a further £488 million.

While the latter will enable a transformation of important national assets – such as Dudley College's engineering and advanced manufacturing workshops, Leeds City College's centre for mechanical engineering and Runshaw College's engineering and science buildings – the former is hardly a huge sum. However, set against the skills challenges, as expressed by professor John Perkins, chief scientific adviser to the government's BIS, it's a useful start.

Why? Because Perkins insists that, while his review sets out issues that government needs to address, employers and professional bodies also need to step up to the plate. In fact, of his 22 recommendations, which are geared to improving the engineering supply for the short and long term, no fewer than 15 require active engagement from industry, the engineering professions and the education sector, too.

For him, it's as much about inspiring young people throughout their education – and focusing on getting as many as possible to study "rigorous curricula in maths and science", as it is about throwing money at the problem. He talks of "a series of structural and behavioural barriers that must be tackled to improve the talent pipeline" and "the importance of all partners working together to attract future engineering talent to grow the UK economy".

Looked at in this context, £30 million next year, which employers can bid for to help them inspire future engineers, may not be so paltry. Indeed, although business secretary Vince Cable comes in for as much stick as any other high-profile minister, it's hard not to conclude that, in launching these initiatives, he is in touch.

So when Cable says, "We cannot do this alone, so I am calling on employers and education professionals to get involved and inspire the next generation of engineers," we should take heed. Because, as we emerge out of recession, it is clearly incumbent upon all of us to play our part, if we want to sustain this improvement with a rebalanced economy.

We wish you a merry festive season and a happy, prosperous and industrious New Year.

Brian Tinham BSc CEng MInstMC FSOE FIPlantE FIRTE, Editor

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