Skills shortfall threatens UK's global competitiveness03 December 2013

A shortage of under-19-year-olds taking advanced engineering apprenticeships could jeopardise the UK's ability to compete internationally, according to EngineeringUK.

It warned that the UK must double the number of under-19s studying engineering advanced level apprenticeships if it is to take on global giants such as China and the US.

In its report, Engineering UK 2014, EngineeringUK has highlighted a decline of 12.2% in 16,280 young people taking engineering-related advanced level apprenticeships, a downward trend that will damage the UK's current and future capacity for growth if left unaddressed.

EngineeringUK has recommended:

• A two-fold increase in the number of under-19s studying vocational level 3 qualifications.
• A doubling in the number of engineering graduates.
• Double the numbers of young people studying GSCE physics as part of triple sciences and grow the numbers of students studying physics A level to match those of maths.
• Provision of careers inspiration for all 11- to 14-year-olds, including opportunities to meet technical leaders from across a range of scientific, technological, engineering and business sectors and experience of the workplace.
• Support for teachers and careers advisors in delivering careers information that helps students understand modern scientific, technological, and engineering career paths.

Ian Vallely

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