Shaping policy for a stronger engineering and technology future
We’re dedicated to driving policy change to strengthen the UK’s engineering and technology sector. Drawing on our research we make recommendations to government, industry and educational bodies. We advocate for policies that will improve the pathways into STEM careers and address skills shortages in the workforce.
We actively push for policy changes that transform perceptions of engineering and tech to encourage more young people from a range of backgrounds (in particular, young women), to choose engineering and tech careers. Currently too few young people are really aware what opportunities exist for them in engineering and tech. By sharing our findings, we aim to help shape policy decisions that remove barriers, enhance STEM learning and career opportunities and improve access for underrepresented groups.
We do all this to support our vision that the UK has the diverse workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive – and to drive economic prosperity, improve sustainability and achieve net zero.
How we influence policy
Our approach combines a number of connected activities:
- Championing our evidence-based policy asks – a set of recommendations that lead our work
- Responding to consultations, inquiries and calls for evidence from government departments, parliamentary committees and other public bodies
- Convening partners across industry, education and government
- Publishing reports and briefings that focus on solutions
- Working in partnership to align activity and amplify impact
Our policy asks
We have a set of policy priorities for the government across 2 areas:
- Workforce planning
- STEM education and skills
We want to see policy changes in training and skills, careers provision and outreach. We give policymakers evidence-based insights on what enables or deters young people from choosing engineering or technology careers.
Responding to government
We're regularly invited to contribute evidence and insights on relevant education and skills and policy consultations. These requests come from government departments, parliamentary committees and policy bodies.
Our responses make sure that the engineering and technology community, and insight from young people, help inform key policy decisions.
See our consultations
Our work across the devolved nations
We bring together government, industry, education and training providers and sector partners to explore shared challenges in engineering and technology education and skills across the UK. Our current focus is on Scotland. We're building insight to support future work across all the devolved nations.
Policy partnerships
We partner with organisations across the sector as well as in government and education, to broaden our impact, align efforts and share best practice.
We’re a member of the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) – along with 41 other professional engineering organisations. The NEPC provides insights, advice, and practical policy recommendations on complex national and global challenges.
Latest research
Our research covers the engineering and tech industry, including the current workforce and future demand. We analyse educational trends to understand the future talent pool. And we survey young people to understand their attitudes to STEM careers.
