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As the sector recovers from the pandemic, there has never been a bigger need to invest in new technology, invest in new people, and upskill current staff. The Engineering sector is worth more than £455 billion per year and makes up 19% of the overall UK workforce. The need to align knowledge and skills with new technology will be essential for the sector to recover, but is an engineering degree the solution?
A degree or practical skills?
No one can dispute that holding an engineering degree is extremely important both individually and to the sector. With almost 50,000 graduate degrees awarded annually, there are no shortages of people adopting the theoretical knowledge a degree offers. Engineering degrees are available in lots of different sub-sectors, including mechanical, aerospace, navel, civil, and many more. Although engineering degrees play a huge part in educating tomorrow's engineers, we often see students exiting degrees with a lack of practical skills and key concepts of how technology is manufactured, installed, and serviced.
Over the last ten years, there has been an average of 65,000 new apprenticeship starts per year in engineering and manufacturing across multiple levels, with level 3 being the most favourable route. A typical apprenticeship will consist of 80% on-the-job training with 20% allocated to academic studies, with typical durations between three to four years. Many apprenticeships nowadays have a rigorous independent end-point assessment (EPA), this ensures that learners have the required competence and knowledge to achieve that given apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship offers on-the-job training (also known as practical competency) that is essential within the sector, typically labelling learners who have completed a level 3 apprenticeships ‘a skilled tradesperson’.
Maybe a blended approach?
The sector has recognised the importance of both degree knowledge and practical competency to ensure growth to the sector. An individual who has both the on-the-job skills and experience along with a degree will be well aligned to adapt to changes in technology and allow growth in the sector.
Degree apprenticeships can offer both knowledge and practical along with leadership skills to learners. Currently, there are 45 engineering degree apprenticeships available to employers and learners. Entry requirements / course qualifications differ for each apprenticeship, but many have a degree incorporated. Learners adopting this route will find it very favourable and without the huge financial debts on completion, as the employer will fund the apprenticeship.
Whatever your thoughts around practical versus theoretical, both are crucial to take the sector to the next level. If we can incorporate both practical and a degree into a training package then this can only benefit learners, employers, the sector, and the economy.
Supporting apprenticeship standards in engineering
As part of our commitment to support the ongoing development of the engineering workforce, we are delighted to offer several apprenticeship standards to enable individuals to take an important step in their career.
Visit our website for a range of standards that are already open for registrations. More information on how we can support providers and employers with EPA is on our website.
Join IMechE and Professional Engineering at THE virtual fair for early engineering careers and find your perfect job! Register for EngRec 2021 FREE today.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.