3 February 2010
Encouraging more young people into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers through routes including the Diploma will help solve the skills gap within the engineering sector, according to Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.
Semta has estimated that 1,200 engineering companies are at risk of failing with the loss of over 5,700 jobs because of skills gaps among their workforce. The skills council also noted that a high proportion of the engineering workforce is between 45 and 64, leaving the sector at risk of losing skills as older workers retire.
Semta chief executive Philip Whiteman warned that the sector has suffered during the economic downturn but said businesses 'can survive the recession, and emerge stronger and fitter in the upturn. They can do this by investing in skills'.
Semta has announced a number of priorities to support sector industries, one of which is to tackle issues related to an ageing workforce by encouraging more young people into STEM careers through Young Apprenticeships and Diplomas in Science, Engineering, Manufacturing and Product Design.
'Investment in high-quality training brings economic returns to employers,' said Whiteman. 'It can provide a long-term solution to skills gaps which would otherwise threaten continued productivity improvement.'
