Changing the image of engineering

As the UK manufacturing sector continues to grow there are signs that Government and other related bodies are taking concerted action to change the often less than favourable image of engineering.

For example, we’ve recently seen the publication of the document, ‘Growth review Framework for Advanced Manufacturing’, which looked at the barriers that are preventing both the UK from taking a leading world position as an exporter of high-value goods, and young people entering a career in engineering. This has prompted considerable debate among academics and industry leaders alike.

There’s also been the recent commitment by the Business Secretary to create 100,000 new apprenticeships, plus the ‘Big bang: Young Scientists and Engineers Fair’, which actively involves schools in science and engineering, and the ongoing development of the Bloodhound SSC world landspeed record attempt, due to take place in 2012. This has the specific goal of creating interest in key STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

Although Bloodhound is by no means the only example of successful UK innovation in engineering it is proving extremely successful in reaching out to youngsters, having so far been taken up by over 4,000 schools, colleges and universities.