Research released today (7 September) by the National Grid states engineering is ‘not on the radar’ of students, parents or teachers.

As a result it paints a bleak picture for the future claiming we’re heading for a skills shortage, which will have a ‘damaging impact’ on the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Engineering Our Future report, put together after interviews with 1300 young people aged 14-19, and found the engineering sector was perceived as ‘dirty and menial’ and for less academic students.

National Grid chief executive, Steve Holliday, said: “We need lots of very clever people who can make things happen and think outside the box to create a different world in the future.

“We know from our own workforce planning that nearly 1,000 new roles are needed by 2020.

“We need to inspire today’s youth and help them to see how exciting and interesting a career in engineering can be.”

To read the full report click here.

Luke Walsh

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