IET: Perkins’ Review “a clear way forward” to close skills gap

Professor John Perkins’ Review of Engineering Skills, published today, has been welcomed by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Nigel Fine, IET Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Perkins’ Review: its recommendations offer a clear way forward to close the engineering skills gap. The IET has worked for many years to highlight to policy makers, academia and employers that this skills gap needs urgent attention, so it’s heartening that the Review focuses on galvanising all these parties into action to deliver its recommendations. Only an ‘all hands on deck’ approach can address the problem with conviction.

“We look forward to building on our existing IET initiatives and working with others in the engineering community to agree the best way to inspire the next generation of engineers. As the report highlights, there are also other practical things we must all continue to do, or do more of: support Trailblazers and other high-level Apprenticeships; encourage employers to provide more, and better quality, work experience for students; and find more innovative ways to raise the profile of engineering among university students. These are strong proposals and the IET applauds them.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
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Media enquiries to:
Robert Beahan, External Communications Manager
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E: rbeahan@theiet.org