EngineeringUK’s 5-year strategy enables engineering and tech to thrive

With a core purpose of driving change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers, EngineeringUK’s refreshed vision is for the UK to have the diverse workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive and to drive economic prosperity, improve sustainability, and achieve net zero.

Engineering and tech are critically important for the UK, with huge opportunities and responsibilities over the coming years, but the sector continues to face significant workforce challenges.

Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, explains: “For engineering and technology to really thrive, we urgently need more people and more diversity in our workforce. Our new strategy provides us, and importantly all of our partners, with a renewed focus on what we’re trying to achieve, and clarity on how we’re going to get there.

“We’re determined to achieve our mission of enabling more young people from all backgrounds to be inspired, informed, and progress into engineering and technology. But this will only be possible by working in partnership – we all have a part to play in this.”

Dr Alice Bunn, Chief Executive of the Institution for Mechanical Engineers and EngineeringUK Trustee, comments: “Engineering is an exciting, rewarding career and engineers have a key role in solving many of the complex global challenges we face today. We need to encourage many more young people into the profession, and it is vitally important we work together to drive change and ensure that young people have the right skills to make a difference. EngineeringUK’s new strategy will engage more young people with engineering and technology, helping to inspire a new generation of innovators.”

EngineeringUK’s strategy from 2023 to 2028 consists of four key strands of activity including:

• Research and evidence – establishing the composition of the current engineering and technology workforce, future workforce needs, and how to address them
• Leadership – leading efforts to grow the collective impact of all engineering and technology inspiration and careers activities with young people of school age
• Activities for schools – expanding its activities to encourage more, and more diverse, young people into engineering, technician, and tech roles
• Advocacy – providing advocacy and support to address policy and delivery challenges in STEM and careers education and workforce planning for engineering and tech

Ed Almond, Chief Executive of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and EngineeringUK Trustee, said: “With clear aims across research evidence, leadership, activities for schools, and advocacy, this new strategy ensures it is providing an in-depth and multifaceted approach to inspire the next generation of engineers to deliver the solutions required by society.”

He continues: “The demand for engineers is only increasing, so the work that EngineeringUK does – along with all engineering PEIs across the UK – is critical. We need to promote the range of science, engineering, and technology careers to young people from all different backgrounds. We also need to show society its impact and importance in tackling world challenges, and advocate for policy and education in engineering. It’s a collective effort so collaboration is key in driving real change. We look forward to continuing our work with EngineeringUK to engineer a better world together.”

Dr Janet Young, Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and EngineeringUK Trustee, commented: “The world is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss. Engineers have the skills and drive to change the world and are in a unique position to address these challenges head on. This renewed strategy will encourage and inspire the engineers and infrastructure professionals necessary to build the cleaner, greener future we all need.”

Benj Sykes, Head of Environment, Consenting and External Affairs at Orsted, commented: “As one of the world’s leading renewable energy developers, a diverse, innovative, collaborative group of engineers lies at the very core of our business. These teams drive forward our projects turning concepts and plans into vital green energy generating assets, such as offshore wind, so we’re delighted to see sustainability and net zero feature so prominently in the EngineeringUK vision. A diverse pool of future talent is crucial for the success of our business and many industries alike. By boosting engagement and aspiration in STEM-based careers, we can open up the world of possibilities to future generations of scientists and engineers.”