Skills shortfall threatens UK's global competitiveness

It warned that the UK must double the number of under-19s studying engineering advanced level apprenticeships if it is to take on global giants such as China and the US. In its report, Engineering UK 2014, EngineeringUK has highlighted a decline of 12.2% in 16,280 young people taking engineering-related advanced level apprenticeships, a downward trend that will damage the UK's current and future capacity for growth if left unaddressed. EngineeringUK has recommended: • A two-fold increase in the number of under-19s studying vocational level 3 qualifications. • A doubling in the number of engineering graduates. • Double the numbers of young people studying GSCE physics as part of triple sciences and grow the numbers of students studying physics A level to match those of maths. • Provision of careers inspiration for all 11- to 14-year-olds, including opportunities to meet technical leaders from across a range of scientific, technological, engineering and business sectors and experience of the workplace. • Support for teachers and careers advisors in delivering careers information that helps students understand modern scientific, technological, and engineering career paths.