Calls for more engineering students

There is a lack of young people who are interested in following a career in engineering, which is leading to a skills crisis in the sector, it has been claimed.

According to Richard Lambert, the Director General of the Confederation of British Industry, engineering companies are struggling to recruit skilled employees as fewer students graduate with a degree in the subject, The Independent reports.

Speaking at the launch of a new initiative - the E3 Academy - which is designed to entice more young people to take up engineering, Mr Lambert said that the skills shortage means UK businesses are not finding the 'quality' of workers they need.

Professor Paul Acarnley, Manager of the E3 Academy, added: 'It is vital for the future of UK industry that we try to reverse the dwindling numbers of young people who are opting to make engineering their chosen career.'

Already this month, Managing Director of EMS Sigma, Roy Davies, told Online Recruitment magazine that more students should pursue a career in engineering to help plug the current skills gap.