By David Mallinson, Engineering Director, Lorien Engineering Solutions
The next generation of workers are turning their back on a career in manufacturing, according to a new report from Barclays.
It found that only six per cent of Generation Z (16-23 year olds) were considering a career in the sector.
The figure is even worse for females, with only three per cent of young women contemplating a manufacturing career, compared to nine per cent of young men.
As an engineering design and project management business working with some of the UK’s top food and drink, brewing and pharmaceutical manufacturers, we aim to meet the skills challenge head on.
Our graduate scheme identifies emerging talent and provides young engineers with a platform to learn and develop on the job. This influx of new talent plays an important part in the ongoing growth of our business but also provides an injection of fresh thinking into the industry.
Young Lorien engineer Lou Charpentier-Dusoir was named Graduate Learner of the Year award at the recent Engineering Construction Industry Training and Development Awards. Lorien also received a commendation in the SME of the Year category.
If we are to turn around the alarming figures in the Barclays study, we need to inspire school children to think about the diverse career paths available in manufacturing and engineering. It’s not all greasy spanners and dirty factories – we need to showcase the innovation and technology.
Our engineers encourage the next generation by visiting schools to take part in lessons and careers evenings. We aim to tap into young people’s curiosity and paint a picture of what modern engineers look like.
Lorien has just launched the latest round of its growing graduate recruitment scheme, which has been extended to all disciplines including civil and structural. You don’t have to be fresh out of University to apply. Our aim is to attract the best candidates and give them the experience and skills to flourish. Together we can inspire more young people to follow this path.
