Institution responds to report by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission

The Institution's Peter Finegold says the report has some worrying findings and that engineering should be promoted as one of the key sectors that could help promote greater social mobility.

Peter Finegold, Head of Education and Skills at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the recent report by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission:

"This report has some worrying findings. If we want a fairer and more successful society, we need to reward achievement and talent, regardless of social class or family wealth. Greater social mobility means we have the best people in the right jobs, and means we are making the most of the talent that is out there.

"Engineering should be promoted as one of the key sectors that could help promote greater social mobility as, not only is there a great demand for more talent to enter the industry, unlike other high-value professions people can pursue successful careers by completing apprenticeships. Engineering apprenticeships provide hands-on vocational training, and can also be more affordable than completing university degrees."

Read the Institution's latest policy statement: Social Mobility and the Engineering Profession