A new survey has revealed that there is concern amongst employers that schools are not creating a positive impression of modern British industry, despite warnings that more needs to be done to boost the number of school leavers entering into a career in engineering or manufacturing.
The results come from a survey run on behalf of EAL, the awarding organisation for industry qualifications. Managing director Ann Watson commented, “The survey results clearly show that employers are unconvinced that schools are doing all they can to encourage their pupils to take up a career in engineering, manufacturing or building services, among other sectors. The launch of the National Careers Service has made schools responsible for securing independent, impartial careers guidance for pupils, with the freedom to make arrangements that fit their needs and circumstances – so it’s vital to ensure industry careers are fairly and accurately represented.
“The responsibility, however, should not fall solely on the shoulders of schools. EAL and Semta have worked together to publish guidance for people looking to get into engineering on our Careers in Industry website. Employers can also help to educate young people, as well as their teachers and parents, in the variety of careers available in industry. And government campaigns, such as Make it in Great Britain, will help transform misconceptions of manufacturing being the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago, instead of the modern, hi-tech industry it is today.”
