We are going to have to have a root and branch reform of the education system if we want British engineers. The subject is seen as something to put shitty boys on in my experience and not a respected profession like it is in other countries.
We need to start moving high performing students away from finance and towards Maths and Engineering. But wages are so low compared to anywhere else, we’ll likely be training them to leave.
We really need a proper industrial strategy.
Agreed. Pretty much what I’ve been saying for the past few years. Incentivise those in certain skill shortage areas and likely requirements in future. Bursaries, zero/reduced tuition or vocational course fees etc in certain sectors would be the first stage. Tie this assistance into working in the country for X years post completion
Second, as you say, is trying to better align and/or improve the salaries where there’s shortages, especially if that’s something like social care which government can directly influence. It can indirectly influence something like tech with incentives for businesses etc although more difficult to change wages
I know it’s just repeating myself but as a country we’ve got addicted to cheaper imported labour. It was refreshing to see the long term NHS staff plan, about time ! but ones been needed for the country as a whole for donkeys years…or at the very least since Brexit
ps not sure about the recent changes to immigration policy. Some of the changes feel like they’re likely to cause more issues though. Devils in the details I guess.
