A significant knowledge gap on the vital significance of mathematics and physics skills risks damaging the UKº£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø™s future, according to a new report published today by A. T. Kearney in partnership with the Your Life campaign.
Alison Carr, Director of Policy at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said: º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍøœWe need to have more young people studying all of the engineering gateway subjects to ensure that they are not shutting the door on an exciting, creative career in engineering.
º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍøœThere is huge demand for engineers so it is important that young people have the opportunity to continue their studies. The country needs more people studying science and engineering subjects and taking up apprenticeships.
º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍøœWe are at risk of stifling economic growth if we do not encourage more students to study STEM subjects which are crucial to ensuring a healthy and balanced economy.º£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø
Research from the IET shows that there is a growing need to change perceptions of what modern engineering is and what it can offer young people, particularly girls, in terms of a career. The key to doing this is by changing the perceptions of parents who are highly influential in their childº£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø™s decision making processes and showing them that engineering doesnº£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø™t have to be a messy, mechanical or physically demanding career choice.
There is huge demand for engineers. The IETº£½Ç³Ô¹ÏÍø™s most recent Skills & Demand in Industry Report showed that 64% of companies indicated concerns that shortage of engineers would be a threat to their business.
Adapted from press release by