EngineeringUK, the leading body for engineering in the UK, is urging the new labour government to take immediate action to tackle the growing skills shortage in STEM fields. But what has labour promised this sector already?
Following last night’s landslide Labour Party Victory, many are asking what changes we can expect from both the government and the country. With engineering and technology projected for the fastest growth of any sector by 2030, the current lack of skilled workers is already hindering economic potential – so what will the new government do?
A strategic national plan from a new labour Government
Highlighting the need for a strategic national plan, EngineeringUK emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the government and industry to remove barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce. This strategy, they argue, is crucial for supporting existing projects and powering future large-scale developments like “Great British Energy.”
Their key recommendations align with the Labour manifesto’s focus on workforce development and training.
EngineeringUK welcomes the commitment to expand apprenticeships and improve career education through additional advisors and a broader curriculum. However, they emphasize the critical need to address the severe shortage of STEM teachers – a problem currently exacerbated by a lack of investment in professional development.
Labour’s Industrial Strategy: Life Sciences Plan
Labour’s plan sets out a series of commitments across a range of policy levers to support the research and innovation pipeline and business environment in the life sciences.
Labour has promised to be a more reliable partner for the industry by establishing an independent Industrial Strategy Council. This council would be on a statutory footing and would hold the Government to account and provide continuity across the political cycle.
Other commitments:
- Focus on growth and leadership: Labour aims to make the UK a world leader in life sciences again, creating over 100,000 jobs by 2030.
- Improved collaboration: They propose better coordination between government departments involved in life sciences.
- Strengthening key bodies: Labour wants to empower the Life Sciences Council and the Office for Life Sciences to drive innovation across government.
- Focus within the Department of Health: Life sciences and innovation would become a central priority for the health department.
- Harnessing the NHS: Labour sees the NHS as a potential leader in global clinical trials.
The need for a national plan for a thriving STEM workforce
Ensure a long-term solution for both industry and our net zero goals
Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, stresses the importance of nurturing young talent through apprenticeships and investing in teachers. “A national strategy,” she says, “is essential to replace the current fragmented approach and ensure a long-term solution for both industry and our net zero goals.”
EngineeringUK has expressed their commitment to supporting the new government in tackling this urgent challenge and “turbocharging” the STEM sector.
