£2 million funding pledge to boost Engineering Technician campaign
The “EngTechNow” campaign – led by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) , in conjunction with the Engineering Council – was first announced by the Prime Minister in 2013, and officially launched during National Apprenticeship Week in March this year, with the support of an initial £1 million donation from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
The launch saw commitment from senior figures at Crossrail, global defence company BAE Systems, Bam Nuttall, Atkins and NG Bailey, to increase the number of EngTechs in their own workforce.
Nigel Fine, IET Chief Executive, said: “Increasing the pool of home grown technical skills in the UK is good for our economy, for businesses and for individuals.
"The pace of technological development in the modern workplace is creating an urgent and growing demand for higher levels of technical skill and professionalism. This initiative will help to meet that need by up-skilling and growing our own talent in the UK, rather than having to look overseas.
"More Engineering Technicians in the workforce will help us to maintain a competitive edge and boost growth in the UK economy through innovation and creativity.”
The additional £2 million pledge announced today will allow the EngTechNow campaign to go fully nationwide, helping a wider range of large and small engineering companies recognise that those who have come through vocational and apprenticeship routes can also achieve professional status as Engineering Technicians. The Gatsby Foundation has also stated its intention to continue funding the project until 2018.
The funding deal was agreed at a meeting between the chief executives of the IET, IMechE and the Engineering Council, the Director General of ICE, the Director of Science and Engineering at the Gatsby Foundation, and Lord Sainsbury.
Notes to editors:
§ For more information about the EngTechNow campaign, visit www.engtechnow.com
§ Interview opportunities are available with IET spokespeople from a broad range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and women in engineering.
§ The IET is one of the world’s largest organisations for engineers and technicians. We have nearly 160,000 members in 127 countries around the world.
§ The IET is working to engineer a better world. We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community, supporting technology innovation to meet the needs of society.
§ The IET is the Professional Home for Life® for engineers and technicians, and a trusted source of Essential Engineering Intelligence® and thought leadership.
§ For more information, visit www.theiet.org
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