2018 has been designated the “Year of Engineering” in a Government campaign to support the engineering profession in recruiting the next generation of engineers.
Throughout 2018, events will showcase the variety and creativity of modern engineering to improve understanding of what engineers do.
The campaign aims to transform perceptions of engineering among young people, their parents and their teachers, and to widen the pool of young people who consider the profession – the engineering workforce is currently 91 per cent male and 94 per cent white.
The railways are heavily reliant on engineering in all its forms, and railway companies have been quick to become involved. Bombardier, Crossrail, Hitachi, East Midlands Trains, High Speed College, HS2, East Midlands Trains, London Transport Museum, Network Rail, Thales, Transport for London, the Stagecoach Group, the National College for High Speed Rail and the National Skills Academy for Rail have all committed themselves to participate, with more joining in all the time.
They will be supporting the campaign through activities including schools competitions, community and careers events, exhibitions and giving young people the chance to meet rail engineering role models.
Teaming up with these and hundreds of other partners, the government will deliver a year of UK-wide school visits, exhibitions and open door events – all aimed at encouraging young people and their parents to take a closer look at engineering.
Commenting on the initiative, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “Engineering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy, but a lack of young people 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.
“This Year of Engineering is our commitment to transforming perceptions of engineering among young people, their parents and their teachers. We need people from all backgrounds to see the creativity, opportunity and value of engineering careers.”
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