Cameron to announce bid to create 100,000 engineering technicians24 June 2013

Prime Minister David Cameron is to announce a new initiative to help create 100,000 registered engineering technicians over the next five years.

The multi-million pound initiative – created by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Gatsby Foundation – will work through new and established apprentice schemes to provide engineering technicians structured on-the-job experience built on a recognised academic qualification.

The announcement of the new apprenticeship initiative will take place at 10 Downing Street alongside a full-size replica of the British Bloodhound Super Sonic Car (pictured).

Stephen Tetlow, chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: "The Institution and its partners are concerned that the number of people pursuing engineering careers is just not enough to meet the current and future demands of the engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors.

"To help UK companies succeed in this ever-growing competitive global marketplace, we need people with the highest professional skills and abilities.

"This initiative will ensure that the UK has a growing stream of engineering technicians being developed to a level that is recognised and respected around the world."

The Prime Minister will also meet Year 10 pupils from Barclay School in Stevenage, who all hope to become engineers and scientists, as well as apprentices from a number of leading manufacturing and construction companies, including Perkins Engines, Caterpillar and Rolls-Royce.

Ken Hurst

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Institution of Mechanical Engineers

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