EngineeringUK responds to the Autumn Statement

Release Date: 17 Nov 2022

Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive at Engineering UK, comments: 

“We need a well-funded education, skills and careers system to ensure that we have enough engineers, scientists and technicians to achieve the government’s ambitions for net zero and energy independence as confirmed in today’s statement – along with ‘superpower’ status in science and innovation.

We cautiously welcome the announcement on education spending made today. The Autumn Statement suggests that the government understands the financial pressures that the education sector is experiencing. Only by investing in the future of young people will we be able to tackle the chronic and increasingly acute skills shortages across the economy, and in particular in the engineering and technology sector, that are threatening companies’ ability to grow.

We look forward to working with Sir Michael Barber on the implementation of the government’s skills reforms. The engineering and technology sector is crying out for more skilled people and to ensure this we need T Levels to be a success and falling apprenticeships numbers to be addressed. We would welcome a broader look at the education system and hope government will work with stakeholders to develop a STEM skills strategy and identify any further reforms needed to ensure that we have an education system able to deliver on the UK’s ambitions.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more info contact:

Georgie Brown ([email protected]/ 07763 875174)

About Engineering UK  

EngineeringUK is a not-for-profit organisation that works in partnership with the engineering community to inspire tomorrow’s engineers. We lead the engagement programmes: The Big Bang, Robotics Challenge and Energy Quest and help schools bring STEM to life through real-world engineering via Neon. We bring engineering careers inspiration and resources together through Tomorrow’s Engineers and manage The Code, which drives change at scale to increase the number and diversity of young people choosing academic and vocational pathways into engineering. We base everything we do on evidence and share our insight widely. www.engineeringuk.com