Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 16TH - 22ND FEBRUARY 2018 | 23 £700,000 from ORE Catapult and will look to address a selection of key research topics and themes, including component reliability and availability; system and subsystem optimisation; and smart energy systems of the future (including energy storage solutions). Universities interested in joining the Hub, which will help shape the Catapult's current and future electrical infrastructures research and develop- ment plan, must make their submis- sions by 20 February. If you have an asset or project you would like to see featured in this slot, please send pictures and details of the project to paulnewton@fav-house.com or call 01342 332085. Pipe up Mark Titterington The State of Engineering: Engineering UK 2018 report shows us that engineering continues to miss out on talent as young people drop out of the pipeline at each educational decision point. This is particularly true for girls and for people from black and minority ethnicity communities and is contributing to under-representation in the engineering workforce. Engineering continues to play a vital role in the UK economy. In 2016, engineering enterprises generated more than 23 per cent of the UK's £5.3 trillion turnover. More than a quarter of UK enterprises are involved in engineer- ing, employing more than 5.6 million people, with water, gas and electricity showing a large rise in the number of engineering companies over the past five years. Analysis shows annual demand for 124,000 engineers and technicians with core engineering skills across the economy and that the overall annual demand is for 203,000 engineers and technicians with engineering skills. While trends in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education are broadly positive, it's clear that talent is leaking from the pipeline. This is oen because of misperceptions about what engineering is and the skills engineers need. Industry needs to work collaboratively and more closely with education and policymakers to highlight the exciting opportunities to make a difference in an engineering career and to showcase the range of working environments. This will attract a new and diverse generation of engineers. EngineeringUK works to inspire tomorrow's engineers and increase the number and diversity of young people going into engineering. Key to achieving this ambition is bringing together employers and educators to inspire, engage and inform young people from all backgrounds about the wide range of career opportunities. At The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, companies offer hands-on activities to inspire and inform young visitors and release employees to volun- teer to share their career story and professional insights. The practical application of classroom learning, talking to professionals and clear careers information builds knowledge of the industry and improves its appeal. The Big Bang offers that experience to around 80,000 visitors at the UK Fair and to more than 171,000 young people at smaller events throughout the year. 2018 is the Year of Engineering; I hope that will amplify efforts across the community so we can high- light to young people the exciting world of 21st century engineering and what it has to offer them. Mark Titterington, chief executive, EngineeringUK "Industry needs to work more closely with education and with policymakers to highlight engineering's opportunities." Operations & Assets "2018 is the Year of Engineering; I hope that will amplify efforts across the community"

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