UK economy ‘threatened’ by failure to integrate engineering into curriculum

School students have little understanding of engineering, and it’s threatening the nation’s productivity and economic health, according to a report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The report, We think it’s important but don’t quite know what it is: The culture of engineering in schools, is based on studies of 11 schools in London, Manchester and Sheffield, and an engineering-based debating competition for over-16s.

It says that although students have a vague sense of engineering’s value, its low visibility in schools means they don’t feel confident in choosing it as a career.

The report argues that the government needs to rethink how it presents and promotes engineering to future generations, especially towards women. The UK has one of the least diverse engineering industries in the developed world, with just 9% of all engineers being women.

Peter Finegold, head of education and skills at the IMechE, said the report found positive attitudes towards engineering in schools, but a lack of integration into the curriculum. “This lack of exposure to engineering has led to students developing a vague and incoherent understanding of the profession, its career opportunities and what it does for society,” he said.

“We accept that government is unlikely to fundamentally change the curriculum or introduce engineering as a stand-alone school subject,” Finegold continued. “Therefore, we recommend that the socially beneficial, problem-solving aspects of engineering are integrated into the existing curriculum, particularly in science and technology subjects, enhancing young people’s exposure to engineering and its world-changing potential.”

The IMechE makes nine key recommendations in the report, including calling on the government to appoint a National Schools Engineering Champion to act as a channel of communication between schools, government and industry.

“With engineering underpinning about 5.7 million jobs and contributing over £480bn to our economy, we believe the ‘wait and see’ position held by successive governments for over 40 years cannot continue,” said Finegold.

“With Brexit looming and the real threat that we will not be able to attract engineers from the EU to work in the UK, we must encourage a greater number and diversity of students to consider engineering as a viable and valuable career choice.”

Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.