Introduction
Submitted to: the Shadow Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
The Shadow Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is undertaking a Policy Renewal Programme. Shadow DSIT wants to make sure the UK is a global leader in science and technology, especially in research and development. They asked 4 questions related to this ambition, as the start of a longer policy development process.
Our submission outlines how the engineering and technology workforce is pivotal to making sure Britain can become a global leader in science and tech. It sets out some of the key drivers behind the persistent skills shortages in the engineering and technology workforce – shortages that hinder the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in science and technology.
Who this is for
- MPs
- Policymakers
- Employers
- Professional Engineering Institutions
Key findings and recommendations
Our submission highlighted that:
- The engineering and technology workforce is pivotal to ensuring that Britain can become a global leader in science and technology
- Skills and people shortages are a longstanding, challenging issue in the engineering and technology sectors
We recommend that:
- Governments must take a strategic approach to engineering and technology workforce planning to enable science and technological leadership
- There is a clear need to widen participation in STEM education and engineering careers
- We must reform STEM education to ensure that it is fit for purpose
- It is crucial that we secure a STEM teacher workforce who can inspire and prepare the next generation for careers in STEM
