The UK economy is crying out for skilled and experienced engineers but how did the country reach this point and what can be done about it? Haughton Design’s Managing Director David Mills reflects on his 29 years in industry and highlights what needs to be done.“I began my engineering career aged 16 with a five year technical apprenticeship with Union Locks. During the apprenticeship I worked closely with senior engineers who passed down technical knowledge to entry level engineers. The system of pairing senior engineers with young apprentices guaranteed the successful transition of knowledge; I was able to ask questions on a daily basis which prepared me for my career.
As manufacturing declined within Britain over the past decade the value of engineering also decreased. The recent BBC programme ‘Made in Britain’ chartered the history of British Manufacturing and the increased value of the service industry. Manufacturing was no longer seen as a viable business and organisations relocated to China. Now we have reached rock bottom the government has finally realised the importance of British engineering and manufacturing.
Haughton Design provides a complete design development service by creating design concepts and engineering them through to manufacture. The company has grown well throughout the recession because of our strong engineering background but the lack of new design engineers entering the employment market is a real problem for us and the UK as a whole.”
The consultancy is keen to pass on their industry knowledge and work with the new technical colleges and academies to help put an end to the skills shortage. The company recently engaged with Walsall UTC helping ensure that the next generation of engineering qualifications truly meets the needs of UK industry.
“There has long been a disjoint between education and industry, I have tried many times to engage with Universities but they aren’t interested. However , the new technical colleges and academies are actively engaging with ourselves and industry as a whole. I am very proud to be at the forefront in helping engineer the future of Britain.”
The value of engineering has been over looked for many decades. Now, as the government seeks to promote British Engineering, we have to ask ourselves; have they left it too late?
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Schools-needed-help-avert-engineering-crisis/story-13268673-detail/story.html
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Haughton-Design-says-collaboration-needed-create/story-13090188-detail/story.html
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