According to Carl Patrick — a project engineer at Mills CNC (www.millscnc.co.uk) — UK manufacturing’s ability to attract young people into engineering careers leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the USA, Japan and Germany.

After receiving a grant last year to research the perceptions and attitudes of young people in Germany, Japan and the USA towards engineering and careers in manufacturing, Mr Patrick visited those countries to meet young people in schools and colleges, apprentices, employers, education and training providers and organisations involved in promoting engineering and manufacturing.

The intention behind the research project was to highlight best-practice methods and to recommend strategies and initiatives that could be implemented in the UK to encourage more young people to consider a career in engineering.

The timing of the project could not be more apt, with recent reports from both the EEF and Cranfield University highlighting the fact that UK manufacturing continues to face skills shortages that could put UK productivity and growth at risk.

Mr Patrick discovered that engineering and manufacturing jobs are regarded favourably in Germany, Japan and the USA and have a more positive profile/perception than in the UK.

Moreover, young people in those three countries are encouraged to consider careers in engineering at a much earlier age than in the UK.

He also found that engineering and manufacturing careers are better paid (on average) than in the UK. Government, industry and school initiatives also appeared to be more integrated, more consistently applied and better funded in those three countries than in the UK.

There are a number of actions that can be taken to address the issues facing the UK, according to Mr Patrick. These will require the involvement of not only the engineering industry but also the education sector and the Government too.

He says that closer collaboration between these key players is vital to ensure that young people see engineering and manufacturing in a more positive light, and are well-informed of the many opportunities that a career in engineering can provide.

His recommendations can be summarised as: streamline the STEM infrastructure; understand best-practice and what works; address the STEM teacher shortage; safeguard against potential negative implications of Brexit; ensure that
apprenticeships are of high quality; raise the understanding and awareness of engineering — per se; and improve diversity and inclusion.

Mr Patrick concludes: “Clearly, not everything can be done at once. However, with Brexit looming and the UK already experiencing a critical skills gap, it is important that action is taken quickly in order to ensure the UK’s continuing growth and competitiveness.”