Bridging the Skills Gap: A Call for Strengthened Engineering Education
© iStock/D-Keine
No. 10 Downing Street hosted a significant roundtable event, with representatives from industry and academia, including The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Minister Mims Davies MP and our Chief Technical Officer, Dr Paul Gosling. The discussion was focused on the following question: How can improving the provision of engineering skills reduce disparities, improve social mobility and diversity within the STEM workforce?
Thales in the UK welcomes the discussion on how we will bridge the skills gap for the future of Engineering.
Challenges in the UK STEM sector
Central to this dialogue was the IET's 'Engineering Kids’ Futures' report. This in-depth exploration into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education offers a blueprint for renewing our approach to nurturing engineering skills from a young age. It illustrates the mutual benefits of early engineering exposure for both students and the nation's economic resilience. Yet, some alarming statistics underscore the pressing need for action.
The UK currently faces a staggering shortfall of over 173,000 STEM workers. On average, businesses in the UK grapple with ten unfilled roles, primarily due to the widening skills gap. This deficiency is costing the UK economy an estimated £1.5bn annually. What's even more concerning is that this challenge has persisted for 15 years, a duration longer than a primary school student's entire education.
Dr Paul Gosling, Chief Technical Officer at Thales UK, shared his insights at the roundtable:
"The prosperity of companies like Thales hinges upon the consistent inflow of young, passionate engineers. Both public and private sectors must rally behind initiatives that elevate engineering education. Our future economic landscape will be moulded by today's students. By laying a robust foundation in engineering, we pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future."
Almost half of engineering employers face difficulties due to their staff lacking in essential IT skills or adapting to new technologies. With these challenges at the forefront, promoting engineering in schools becomes more than an educational strategy; it's an economic imperative. Early exposure to engineering, as highlighted by the 'Engineering Kids’ Futures report, can lead to a 5% surge in productivity, which can translate to billions in the national economy.
Investing in STEM education
The roundtable at No. 10 Downing Street not only reflected the UK government's commitment to fortifying STEM education but also showcased its intent to translate the recommendations of the 'Engineering Kids’ Futures report into tangible strategies.
Collaborative efforts, like the one between Thales UK and IET, signify more than a partnership. They reflect the industry's collective resolve to refashion the nation's educational landscape in favour of engineering. As the horizon unveils, it becomes evident that the UK's future economy will be sculpted by the imagination, creativity, and skills of its youngest people.
For entities like Thales and the UK at large, the onus is clear: The economy's future rests with young engineers, and the responsibility lies with us to ensure they are well-prepared with the necessary skills, enthusiasm, and opportunities to sculpt it.