Transport secretary Chris Grayling has welcomed the appointment of Stephen Metcalfe MP as the Government’s Envoy for the Year of Engineering, next year.
The campaign will see the Government join forces with industry to give thousands of young people ‘direct and inspiring’ experiences of engineering throughout 2018.
Stephen Metcalfe MP
The Department for Transport (DfT) said Mr Metcalfe will act as an advisor for the campaign, engaging with industry and government on tackling the engineering skills gap and widening the pool of young people who enter the profession.
It added that the industry is facing a shortfall of 20,000 engineering graduates a year and a lack of diversity, with a workforce that is 91% male and 94% white.
Mr Grayling said: ‘Engineering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy, but a lack of graduates entering the profession is damaging growth. With major investment being made in infrastructure and new technologies that aim to improve the way we travel, work and live, it’s crucial to the nation’s success that more people join the profession.'
Mr Metcalfe, a former chairman of the Science and Technology Select Committee said: ‘Growing the interest in, and awareness of engineering and careers within the sector is vital to inspiring the next generation of engineers and ensuring our future economic success.
‘Engineering has the ability to tackle some of the great challenges the country and the world faces while also providing well paid and rewarding careers.’
The DfT said that throughout 2018 the Government will work with hundreds of industry partners to bring young people, their parents and their teachers face to face with engineering activities, events and role models.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
