Engineering Uptake in the UK

It is widely accepted that an expanding pool of engineers is required for the UK to; 

• remain globally competitive
• solve the challenges of reducing enviromental impact
• and meet the nations energy needs.

 It is regularly reported that the number of graduate engineers available is insufficent to meet demand.

Heuristic Support has reviewed data held by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).  This review  revealed that the uptake of engineering courses in the UK has declined over the last 11 years. In the meantime other accademically challenging subjects have seen considerable growth;

Growth from 1996 - 2007

The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) are responsible for "Promoting the vital role of engineers, engineering and technology in our society". Publications by ETB provide an evidence base to policy makers and briefings on the uptake of engineering. Gender issues are explored in these publications.

Considerable effort is being made to promote engineering in the UK's Oil and Gas Capital, Aberdeen. Heuristic Support is delighted to leverage these efforts through its Engineering Promoters Page.

The HESA statistics show that the attrition in uptake of engineering at HE level is lower than the national average in Aberdeen;

Growth from 2002 -2007

Heuristic Supports findings from the statistics of gender in the context of engineering are summarised on the sites X² Engineers page

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