In partnership with the Careers Enterprise Company, the EEF recently launched a new guide aimed at showing Britain’s manufacturers how to engage with schools effectively to boost the number of talented young people entering the sector as a career.

Some of the UK’s largest companies are also helping schools to improve their careers advice provision, working with teachers to show young people all that is on offer in the world of work.

The guide details how some of the UK’s most successful companies bring their expertise into schools by offering placements and mentoring schemes designed to help “bring STEM subjects to life alongside practical engineering experience”.

The guide says workplace visits and job shadowing are effective tools for raising aspirations, as is speaking directly to parents about the opportunities available in manufacturing and engineering.

“Research has shown that the UK’s mums and dads do not realise that manufacturing is one of the highest-paid sectors for new employees; the perception among the public is that it is one of the lower-paid professions”.

EEF education and skills policy adviser Bhavina Bharkhada said: “Effective and consistent engagement with schools is vital, if we are to boost the number of young people entering manufacturing.

"Manufacturers across the UK are already engaging with schools to help them meet their Gatsby Benchmarks — a framework of eight guidelines about what makes the best careers provision in schools and colleges — including high-quality work experience opportunities, placements and site tours.

"However, there is a bigger role that manufacturers can play in improving careers provision and this guide provides top tips on how to do this successfully.” (www.cms.eef.co.uk/resources-and-knowledge/research-and-intelligence/industry-reports/making-school-engagement-manufacturers-business).