The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and awarding organisation EAL have joined forces to boost the number of centres offering institution approved engineering technician training schemes.
Students undertaking one of these approved schemes will have the assurance that the scheme meets the exacting standards set by the institution, and will also benefit from a streamlined process to becoming a professionally recognised engineering technician.
Stephen Tetlow, chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said, “Current estimates suggest that the UK needs to double the pipeline of new recruits into engineering by 2020 to avoid a severe skills shortage.
“Boosting the number of skilled engineering technicians in the UK is crucial to a successful manufacturing sector, and a successful UK economy.
“We want this partnership to encourage more people to pursue engineering technician training schemes.”
Ann Watson (pictured), managing director of EAL, said, “The engineering and manufacturing sector is vitally important to the UK economy – providing over six million people with jobs in more than 800,000 businesses.
“The forecasted skills shortage is a barrier that must be overcome if we are to ensure healthy economic recovery, provide much needed jobs and maintain the UK’s standing as one of the foremost manufacturers in the world.
“Through the partnership between EAL and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers we will encourage more to become professionally recognised Engineering Technicians and enter into this exciting sector.”
