Innovation and Skills

In 2021 we carried out a survey that focused on the current skills challenges employers are facing. Though the majority of respondents are positive about their economic prospects, the skills gap is still a concern with more than half reporting shortages in skills. How can we build resilience and prepare for the future skills needed? Read our full survey to learn more

In this EngShort we look at the role of local authorities in addressing the STEM skills shortage challenge. Local authorities are instrumental in delivering education so a joint approach with other partners would help focus on local needs. Find out more in our report at theiet.org/STEM-skills

In this EngShort we look at how we can protect jobs, upskill and train workers and embrace digitalisation as countries begin to recover from Covid-19. Key sectors that are vital to our growth are experiencing skills shortages including cyber security, renewable energies, healthcare, agriculture and others. It is vital that we align skills to current and future industry demands. How can we ensure that the job market is providing appropriate skills for employees to meet the demands of the workforce?

This #EngShort looks at whether we have the #skills to create a #sustainablefuture. Organisations are taking actions to reduce their #climateimpact, with half of engineering employers having a #sustainabilitystrategy. But tackling climate change also means planning ahead. Only 1 in 10 engineering employers think they have all the skills they need. #Innovativethinking, #strategicskills and agility are all needed. By working more closely with schools, colleges, and universities, can industry prioritise #reskilling and #upskilling the current workforce? How do we ensure future #engineers have the right skills to address climate change?

This #EngShort by the IET looks at the use of #holacracy at work, where there is a hierarchy of work instead of people. #Innovation can be found in products and services but also in how a company is run. This includes allowing employees to structures their own work and time, making teams that #selfmanage more agile and efficient. Some companies allow employees to set their own pay. This creates transparency and trust between employees and the company, which in turn, can boost #productivity. But this method also has its challenges and risks. Should all employees be given the freedom to manage their own resources and time?

On LGBTQ+ STEM Day we want to look at how inclusive workplaces really are. Truly inclusive workplaces enable their employees to reach their full potential. A study found that employees in inclusive environments bring in over £70,000 per year more to an organisation than those individuals who feel they can’t be themselves. How inclusive are engineering workplaces? 

Engineering and technology is behind everything from smartphones to running water. Despite the significant role they play in our day to day lives, there is a lack of engineering involvement in Government.

Both engineers and parliamentarians serve the public but joint work can improve policy making and avoid repeated failures. Parliamentarians need robust impartial expertise and engineers can provide technical knowledge and whole-system analysis.

Degree accreditation recognises engineering qualifications and standards, certifying engineers learning and credibility. However, some view it as a hindrance for innovation as it can encourage old teaching practices, restrict course designers and discourage new ideas and experimentation. To prepare graduate engineers for the workforce and challenges of our world, course content must be regularly updated to meet industry needs.

It’s national inclusive week, a campaign designed to celebrate and promote inclusion in practices and workplaces. So, how inclusive and diverse are engineering workplaces? The need for diversity within engineering professions has been clear for decades.

Could better representation inspire young people to see themselves as engineers and technology specialists? 

Women have played a large role in innovation and engineering but we often don’t learn of their successes. Only 12% of engineers in the UK are women. Could this be because we promote the success of men ahead of women? Would promoting the success of women in engineering tackle the STEM gender gap?

The last few months have proved the importance of digital skills but COVID-19 has reduced university applications. This has put universities in financial danger and created a risk of students missing out on key training. We all know the importance engineering plays in fighting against pandemics, so we need to ensure that the future generation of engineers have the right skills to take on these challenges.

What can employers do to bridge these gaps? How can we future-proof engineering skills?

Our world depends on Engineering and Technology for food, medicines, test, and many more. With that said, public perception of engineering is still poor and not enough young people are choosing to study engineering.

But what needs to happen to ensure the next generation are developing the right digital and technical skills?

COVID-19 has forced us to adapt to new ways of working and our ability to embrace new technologies and train workforces with the right digital skills have proven to be valuable.

With that said, 60% of companies say the recruitment of key skills is still a challenge.

So does our workforce have the right skills for the future of work?

We have been thrust into new ways of teaching and learning, but are our school systems ready to teach online? And what gaps will it exacerbate between existing divides in attainment levels? Is our system set up to prepare students for their future learning and careers?

Do you think we’re prepared to deliver education digitally?

UK businesses are struggling to recruit enough engineers with the right skills. Many companies say that graduates aren’t meeting their needs and expectations, so how can we produce more work-ready engineers?

Universities can make a massive difference in narrowing the skills gap, take a look… 

With engineers in high demand, there’s never been a better time to get involved in STEM.

With so many different routes into engineering, it’s hard to know which path to take. But did you know that apprenticeships are a highly regarded route into engineering? Plus, you can earn whilst you learn!

If we have more people across the globe with STEM skills, we can shape our future and create a better world for tomorrow.

#AdaLovelaceDay is an international celebration of the achievements of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers, which takes place on the second Tuesday of every October.

There is a lack of women in the engineering and technology profession, but why is this?