Improve technical education for women to plug engineer shortage

Technical education, particularly for women and minority groups, is crucial in addressing the engineering skills shortage, according to Tamara Finkelstein, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering. The UK government, under the new Prime Minister, recognizes the need for continued investment in technical education to foster sustainable economic growth and maintain global competitiveness.

Providing robust vocational training and vocational qualifications could help reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training, thus mitigating the persistent skills gap in UK engineering. The latest projections indicate a need for 240,000 new engineers and technicians annually just to fill existing roles.

Currently, only 17% of UK engineers are women and 15% are from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to 56% and 18% respectively in other occupations. Despite this, only 45,000 apprenticeships are taken up annually in engineering and manufacturing. Historical inconsistencies in technical education, including the removal of compulsory Design & Technology in schools, have contributed to the decline in engineering talent.

Recent reforms, such as T-levels and the proposed V-levels, aim to provide vocational education pathways, but the complex landscape of vocational education makes it difficult for schools to commit to a strong and sustainable approach. The government's commitment to technical education is welcome, but action is needed to equip young people with the necessary skills for the future, regardless of whether they choose a vocational or academic path.