Good news for engineering employers: solutions for skills shortages

Citation

(2003), "Good news for engineering employers: solutions for skills shortages", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 50 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2003.12850faf.003

Good news for engineering employers: solutions for skills shortages

Good news for engineering employers: solutions for skills shortages

Keywords: Engineering, Education, Employment

This summer sees the graduation of students from new 3 year engineering degree courses aimed specifically at meeting the needs of employers for individuals who can hit the road running and make an immediate contribution to the success of engineering businesses.

In the past, employers said that though their graduate recruits have been academically excellent, many do not have the practical skills to apply themselves without additional training. However, new 3 year engineering degree courses (often called BEng or BScEng), forming the basis for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration with the Engineering Council (UK), provide the ideal blend of technical and practical know-how to cope with employer demands.

Oliver Selby, who studied a 3 year IIE accredited BEng (Hons) degree course in Aerospace Technology at Coventry University, is among the first to benefit from the new IEng courses. Aged 22, Oliver spent his last 2 years as a Student Engineer with FANUC Robotics, combining his studies with work, programming and maintaining the mechanical systems of the company robots. Oliver believes that his success is largely due to the expert grounding provided by his IEng course. He says "Although the course requires me to understand traditional engineering principles, it warmly embraces new technology and challenges you to make use of what you have learnt – an essential prerequisite in my position".

Mark Arbon, Engineering Manager at FANUC, and Oliver employer, agrees: "Oliver is the most outstanding young engineer we have. Whether working individually, or as part of a team, his technical ability and general attitude ensure that the work he undertakes is always of the highest quality. Oliver has made an immediate impact on our business and is a testament not only to himself, but also to the IEng course on which he has studied."

IEng courses are based on developing engineers with a strong practical ability, and the skills developed on these courses are in high demand by employers. The courses frequently adopt a multidisciplinary approach, enabling graduates to apply their skills in a wide range of contexts. The skills are nationally recognised and provide a pathway to professional recognition as a fully qualified IEng.