Next government urged to prioritise workforce planning and skills

EngineeringUK is calling for the next government to focus on two priorities: workforce planning and STEM skills. 

The organisation is urging the future government to take a more strategic approach to address skills shortages and the UK’s changing labour market needs, and for this to be led by the Cabinet Office. 

EngineeringUK has also proposed the consolidation of existing skills taskforces under a new cross-departmental skills committee, as well as developing a holistic STEM education and skills plan. 

Beatrice Barleon, head of public affairs and policy at EngineeringUK, said: “We are asking the next government to take urgent action on workforce planning and address the critical challenges we are facing over STEM skills and teacher shortages in schools and FE providers.

“Specifically, we want the new government in its first 100 days in office to commit to a national workforce strategy.”

Barleon added: “On apprenticeships and T Levels, we want to see better access for young people and a commitment that T Levels will continue in England. 

“We also need a long-term careers strategy to ensure schools and colleges have the funding and up-to-date knowledge of 21^st engineering careers required to support and inspire young people.”

Read more EngineeringUK’s policy recommendations here.